A COALITION of peace and solidarity groups is calling on the Welsh government to cancel the Wales Arms Fair.
Stop the War Cymru, CND Cymru, Cymdeithas y Cymod, Heddwch ar Waith, Palestine Solidarity Campaign Cymru, Amnesty Activist Groups in Wales and Cymru Cuba have all signed a bilingual statement outlining their concerns about the event, scheduled to be held at Newport’s International Convention Centre on September 3 and 4 and badged as the Defence Security Resilience Cymru summit.
The coalition is also seeking a meeting with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price.
The groups said they will support a demonstration outside the venue on September 3 if the fair goes ahead.
Coalition spokesman Dominic MacAskill said: “The new Plaid Cymru Welsh government has an opportunity to move away from a military economy to one building a sustainable and resilient economy for Wales; prioritising public investment in renewable energy, health and social care, sustainable transport and council housing.
“Developing an economy that prioritises the welfare of our communities and not warfare.”
The Welsh government was approached for comment.
Wales reporter DAVID NICHOLSON looks at the political scene as budget rows take centre-stage and Welsh Labour gains a new leader
In the first of a series of interviews with leaders of progressive parties in Wales ahead of the May 7 Senedd election DAVID NICHOLSON talks to Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth



