BRITAIN must halt a warplane deal of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft to Turkish dictator Recep Tayyip Erdogan, anti-arms campaigners have demanded.

Negotiations for the sale of the aircraft jointly by Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain are nearing a conclusion, said the Campaign Against Arms Trade (Caat).

Anti-arms campaigners have been urged to oppose the sale as it would send a “power signal of support” to the regime, with a clear risk that these planes could be used directly in wars against its own people and in neighbouring Iraq and Syria, said the group.

“The sale of Eurofighters would make the region a more dangerous place,” it added.

“At present, negotiations have not reached a conclusion, and it is possible that the proposed deal will not materialise — but it appears to be getting close.

“Now is therefore exactly the time for campaigners and civil society to make our objections known — before a deal is signed and sealed — and while there is still time for other technical, financial, and political obstacles to arise.”

The public was encouraged to show opposition to the deal at the DSEI arms fair in London’s Docklands this September, alongside protests against the Israeli military.

A large number of Turkish arms companies are expected to exhibit at the event as part of a dedicated Turkish international pavilion.

“Even if the UK government cannot be convinced to refuse a sale, there may be more chance of persuading Germany, often much more hesitant about arms trade with Turkey, especially if the Turkish state’s internal repression continues to escalate,” added Caat.

The Ministry of Defence has been contacted for comment.