Over 1,800 people have signed an online petition to protest against the Defence iQ arms fair at Twickenham Stadium taking place this week (22-25 January). 

Defence iQ hosts regular international conferences for the defence and security communities, covering military operations and defence technologies. 

The petition, initiated by Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) Richmond & Kingston, is calling on Twickenham Stadium to end its relationship with arms dealers which may be fuelling humanitarian crises.

PSC Richmond & Kingston said: "We believe that it is completely out of keeping with the ethos of rugby, and of sport in general, to be explicitly making money from companies whose business models are at best unconcerned with the killing of innocent children. England Rugby should be able to easily afford cancelling these two arms conferences." 

Representatives from many repressive regimes such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE and more, will attend. Companies such as Elbit Systems, Leonardo and Raytheon who sell arms to Israel and are to be presenters, guests and sponsors at these events. Leonardo, which produces parts for Israeli fighter jets, has seen its market valuation grow by 20% since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October. 

Per reporting by Electronic Intifada, the companies' profiles in the event's official program do not mention that they are Israeli, but the agenda clearly includes content about weapons that are being used in the current invasion of Gaza: Representatives of Elbit Systems are scheduled to give a presentation titled "Iron Fist." Iron Fist is the brand name of surveillance equipment and interceptors which Elbit has made for a spanking new armoured vehicle known as the Eitan. The Eitan is being used by Israel during its current invasion of Gaza. A recent article from Haaretz is titled: "With Gaza as Testing Ground, Israeli Defence Startups Flourish". 

PSC poster. (Photo: Supplied)

Local group PSC argue Twickenham Stadium is hosting companies arming Israel with weapons that have seen around 25,000 civilian deaths in Palestine. Israel has reported 9,000 Hamas soldiers have been killed but evidence has not been yet provided. 

PSC added: "We recognise the need to use the stadium to raise funds for the RFU and English Rugby. But with such a world-class venue, the stadium has many choices with regards to whom they host. 

"Weapons manufacturers and their industry bodies do have deep pockets with which they can pay venues whose consciences aren't troubled by the indiscriminate deaths caused by the industry." 

In response to the PSC, Twickenham Stadium said: "We host many successful private events throughout the year at Twickenham Stadium. As a host, we are politically neutral and our main priority is to ensure that all events are safe and secure for both clients and local residents."" 

The first Defence iQ conference will be showcasing International Armoured Vehicles between 22-25 January and between the 27-29 February an International Military Helicopter Conference will be held. 

Last year, dozens of parents and children from nearby schools joined PSC in person to protest the International Armoured Vehicles Conference (see photo attached). This year, PSC expects even more to join for the protest at Twickenham Stadium today (22 January 1.30 - 4.30 pm) at the start of the first conference.