The Saudi dictator King Abdullah found the Mall lined by arms protesters as he travelled in ceremony to Buckingham Palace today. The demonstration, which was entirely peaceful, was organised by Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) and included activist comedian Mark Thomas and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell.
CAAT believes that the influence of BAE Systems has led the UK Government to ignore human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. Demonstrators called on the Government to reopen a Serious Fraud Office investigation into the Saudi regime’s arms deals with BAE.
CAAT spokesperson Symon Hill said:
Demonstrations are not allowed in Saudi Arabia, so Abdullah may not be used to them. But today he encountered the reality of British public opinion. People in the UK do not want their Government allowing BAE to arm Abdullah’s vicious regime, let alone inviting him to a banquet at Buckingham Palace. People from all walks of life have today insisted that Gordon Brown must put human rights and the public interest ahead of BAE’s profits from Saudi Arabia.
The protest was clearly visible to Abdullah and his entourage as they travelled in horsedrawn carriages. CAAT supporters later demonstrated with the same message near Parliament.
ENDS
Notes
- Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) works for the reduction and ultimate abolition of the international arms trade.
- King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia travelled along the Mall at approximately 12.30pm today, in a carriage with the British Queen. He was followed by carriages containing members of his entourage. The demonstration was organised by CAAT and was entirely peaceful. It took place in in an area of the Mall negotiated with the police. CAAT later demonstrated, with police permission, outside Portcullis House, which houses MPs’ offices.
- In December 2006, the Government and the Serious Fraud Office announced that they were suspending an investigation into BAE Systems’ arms deals with Saudi Arabia. CAAT and The Corner House, an environmental and social justice NGO, have lodged grounds for a judicial review of this decision. They will appear in court for permission to proceed with the judicial review on 9th November 2007.
- Photographs of the demonstration are available on request.
- CAAT spokespeople are available for interview.
Media Contact
Symon Hill
020 7281 0297 or 07990 673232
