Sadiq Khan has demanded that Britain’s largest arms fair be scrapped, arguing it is “inappropriate” for London to host such an event during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The DSEI defence and security exhibition, due to take place at ExCel London from September 9–12, attracts military buyers and defence contractors from across the world. But the mayor said London should not be used as a “marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons” and stressed that the city is home to thousands of asylum seekers and refugees who fled conflicts involving similar arms.
A spokesperson for Khan said: “The Mayor is completely opposed to this event taking place in London and is appalled that the capital is being used as a marketplace for those who wish to trade in weapons. London is home to thousands of people who have fled conflict and suffered as a result of weapons like those exhibited at this event – and he continues to urge organisers to reconsider hosting the fair in the future.”
The mayor’s office also said the event was “inappropriate given Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza”.
Defence industry representatives dismissed Khan’s intervention, accusing him of posturing while ignoring local issues such as knife crime in the capital. One insider told MailOnline: “It’s just another boring Sadiq intervention on major national issues while he refuses to address concerns in London. While knife crime in London has risen by 54% since he’s taken office, he’s decided to focus on the people who are working day-in day-out ensuring the lives of Ukrainians and other allies who are under ceaseless attack are protected.”
The UK government has already sparked a backlash by barring Israeli government officials from attending DSEI. Israeli defence contractors, however, will still be allowed to exhibit.
In a statement last week, ministers said:“The Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. As a result, we can confirm that no Israeli government delegation will be invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.”
The decision comes as Britain faces growing pressure over its stance on the conflict. In July, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas and commit to a long-term peace deal. The UK has also barred sales of arms to Israel that could be used in the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
Israel’s Defence Ministry condemned the UK’s move, describing it as discriminatory and politically motivated: “These restrictions amount to a deliberate and regrettable act of discrimination against Israel’s representatives,” it said.
With the Gaza conflict continuing and political divisions deepening, Khan’s call to axe DSEI highlights the mounting tension between London’s role as a global hub for the defence industry and the sensitivities of hosting such events in a city defined by diversity and its refugee communities.
