Security & Policing
Security & Policing is a secretive annual event organised by the Home Office and the arms industry trade body, ADS. The government's arms sales unit, UKTI DSO, is responsible for inviting international delegations.
The event "showcases world leading products and services" and is aimed at both UK and international government "security" buyers. Entry is restricted so as to enable "exhibitors to display products which would be too sensitive to show in a more open environment."
Arms companies and repressive regimes
The "strict" home office entrance criteria do not prevent invitations being issued to delegations from some of the world's most repressive regimes. Read more about the countries invited to attend previously.
At the 2014 event visitors browsed the stands of major weapons manufacturers such as BAE Systems, Thales, Finmeccanica and Heckler & Koch, and surveillance companies such as Gamma Group and The Hacking Team. Read more about the companies that exhibited. Many of the same companies are exhibiting at this year's event.
In 2015, Security & Policing takes place from 10-12 March at Farnborough FIVE.
Cathedral cancels arms fair booking
Guildford Cathedral, venue for the event's Gala Dinner in 2012, cancelled its 2013 booking after Campaign Against Arms Trade raised ethical concerns [PDF] with the church authorities.