SCOTLAND’S largest local authority is under fire over its decision to sponsor an event promoting some of the world’s biggest weapons manufacturers.
Glasgow city council has been urged to drop its support for the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) 2018 conference being held in the city next month and which will be attended by military suppliers such as BAE Systems and Leonardo. BAE Systems produces the Eurofighter jets being used by Saudi forces to bomb people in Yemen, while Leonardo has been linked to arms being used by Turkish forces in Afrin. The event’s “innovation partner” is Babcock, which has major contracts for the production and maintenance of the nuclear weapons systems Trident. More than 50 companies will attend the fair being held at the SEC from 26 to 28 June.
Andrew Smith of Campaign Against Arms Trade said people would be shocked an event of this nature was taking place in Glasgow.
He added: “The people of Scotland have a long tradition of opposition to war and Trident, and many will be shocked to discover so many of the world’s biggest arms companies will be descending on Glasgow.
“Glasgow city council should play no part in supporting this terrible event.
“Many of those companies have armed and supported human rights abusing regimes and profited from the production of nuclear weapons.”
The SNP, which took control of Glasgow city council last year, has taken a high profile stance against the sale of UK arms to Saudi Arabia during its bombing of Yemen. The party is opposed to the renewal of Trident.
Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said: “Glasgow Life often rolls out the slogan People Make Glasgow, but it would be more accurate to say Glasgow is making misery for people in Syria and Yemen, so long as the council continues giving public support to those making technology with the sole purpose of maiming and killing.”
Sean Clerkin of Scottish Resistance said: “Glasgow city council must reverse its decision to support this event. It should be valuing human life over the money it receives from arms companies.”
A Glasgow city council spokesman said: “Glasgow’s highly successful convention bureau works with venues and event organisers to bring conferences and exhibitions to the city – generating around £130 million for the local economy each year and supporting thousands of jobs, most notably in the hospitality, retail and transport sectors. This particular event was held in Glasgow in 2008 and has visited a number of major European cities since, including London, Liverpool, Hamburg and Oslo.”
He added sponsorship of such events was a decision taken by officials rather than by elected members.
A spokesperson for UDT said: "UDT is a technical exhibition and conference for the underwater technology, defence and security community.
"The event brings together figures from the military, academia, and the legitimate defence industry to focus on cutting edge technologies and developments within one of the harshest environments known to man.
"UDT’s world-leading conference programme will explore topics ranging from acoustic modelling through to energy conservation and use in the underwater environment."
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