Sir – It is good news that there have been demonstrations of compassion and welcome to the huge numbers of refugees fleeing across Europe from Syria and other regions suffering the effects of war.
But we need to look closer at what leads such huge numbers to flee and Britain’s responsibility in this.
Last week, Britain hosted the DSEI Arms Fair in London with more than 1,500 exhibitors. Goods for sale ranged from rifles to battleships, fighter jets to tanks.
Britain is the fourth largest arms exporter in the world – two thirds go to the Middle East. Weapons fuel conflict and conflict creates refugees. We all need to make much clearer the connections between the current refugee situation and the arms trade in which Britain plays such a prominent part.
Anne Dodd
Virginia Way
Abingdon
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