Specialist Defence and Security Convention UK (SDSC-UK) is an annual event which, according to their website:

…showcases the capabilities of innovative defence and security SMEs. While its core purpose is to connect these businesses directly with MOD [Ministry of Defence] capability and procurement teams, the event also welcomes larger organisations that support SMEs in reaching end users…SDSC-UK provides a focused environment for networking, collaboration and the exchange of idea… where the defence and security community comes together.

In 2023 it was held in Telford International Centre (TIC) and the BBC reported that before the event, campaigners were urging the conference centre not to host the convention:

The Stop SDSC group said technology at the event was associated with destruction and disrespected people who had experienced armed conflict…The letter asking the TIC to cancel the event was signed by individuals and organisations including PCS union (Telford branch), Shropshire Stand Up to Racism and Telford Quaker Meeting.

In a later report the BBC said:

Extinction Rebellion has staged a protest…in Telford. Activists chained themselves to the gates of Telford International Centre

The BBC reported SDSC-UK as saying:

Many attendees to the Specialist Defence and Security Convention UK (SDSC-UK) have at some point risked their lives to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy around the world. That is why we are committed to an open and constructive dialogue with anyone who has a view to express about our event.

Whilst we respect the right of protest, this is a legitimate convention which has a right to be held.

In 2024 the event was again staged in Telford. The Staffordshire Quakers wrote that:

Organised by Stop SDSC-UK, a coalition of groups from Quakers, CAAT, Extinction Rebellion, Palestine Solidarity groups and others will be saying no to this dreadful arms fair.

In February 2026 the event will be held at The NEC, Birmingham. Stop SDSC-UK have produced a letter to the NEC Group which they have asked UNA Coventry and others to sign. The letter says, among other things:

The Specialist Defence and Security Convention (SDSC-UK) promotes weapons used to destroy lives around the world. It is not welcome in our community and should not be hosted at any reputable national venue. The SDSC-UK showcases companies known to arm and equip the perpetrators of human rights violations and war crimes.

They then list five companies including BAE Systems and stating briefly why they object to them. They continue:

…all these companies have profited from Israel’s wars in Gaza, which a UN commission has determined amounts to genocide. It is sadly no exaggeration to say the NEC may end-up abetting the next genocide…

An estimated 40 percent of all corruption cases in international trade are linked to the sale of arms. Arms companies often work to circumvent arms controls and their wares are frequently used in breaches of international humanitarian law. The industry sacrifices people for profit, making it ethically bankrupt. The NEC also pledges to be “Better for the planet”. The UK arms industry emits 1.46 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually (Scientists for Global Responsibility). This is in addition to the emissions from the UK military itself. It is not tenable to uphold the NEC Group’s values and host this event…

This is not just another exhibition. SDSC-UK is part of the destructive global arms trade which drives armed conflict, oppression and human rights abuses around the world.

We therefore call on the NEC to cancel this booking and confirm SDSC-UK will not be welcomed again.

Should you sign the letter?

Should UK companies be allowed to manufacture and sell weapons of war?

Does the Ministry of Defence need to buy such weapons?

If so, should SDSC-UK be allowed to stage a Convention?

If not, how could the UK best decide which weapons it needs to defend itself and other NATO partners?

Indeed, should the UK become a state without any armed forces?

Please leave your comments in the box below and we will publish a representative sample.