Quaker protest

Peace vigil against the arms trade in Hastings on 6 September

The UK hosts the Defence and  Security Equipment International (DSEI) in London – an arms fair buying and selling death and destruction to countries around the world – from 9-12 September. In this time of uncertainty, with civilians being targeted by weapons manufactured and sold in this country, it is time to stand for peace. Report by Tamara Stevens.

Hastings Quakers are extremely concerned about the terrible unrest in the world at present. The Quakers have historically always sought peace and the cessation of war, and, as a result, we are horrified and disappointed that this government, shamefully, continues to host and promote arms sales through the arms exhibition.

Quakers believe the arms trade fuels not just immense human suffering, but also environmental damage and destruction, leaving nothing but despair in its wake. The DSEI is where these economics of brutality are on display and we must protest making money from such devastation.

For more information on the Quakers and our ongoing resistance to war go to: https://www.quaker.org.uk/action/news/resisting-the-dsei-arms-fair and https://quaker-roots.org.uk

Silent protest by the Quakers

Many Quakers actively protest the event, standing witness to the cruelty – and some will join the larger protest in London during the week, but many cannot. John Lynes, a member of the Quakers and an avid activist, spoke of his commitment to protesting: “I have regularly resisted the biennial DSEI arms fair since it was launched in 1999. Now, with reduced mobility, I can no longer protest in London, so I am glad that local Quakers have arranged a silent vigil here in Hastings. The arms trade has prospered in 2025. Every bomb dropped and every shell fired in Gaza or in Ukraine adds to profitable ‘growth’. This must be stopped.”

Therefore, the Hastings Quakers will be hosting a silent peace vigil on Saturday 6 September at 3pm on the pavement of South Terrace between the Quaker Meeting House and the Unitarian Church to bear witness and protest making money from violence and suffering. South Terrace is the road at the junction of Queens Rd and Marks and Spencers.

Please join us and lend your support to show that arms and war are never the answer.

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