The former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, has drawn criticism for making comments supportive of the arms industry. He suggested on BBC television that Britain should be proud of being “particularly good at manufacturing tanks”.

Two members of the Catholic Worker movement, including a priest, have been arrested at the London arms fair. They poured red paint over an entrance sign before kneeling in prayer beneath a banner asking God to forgive arms dealers.

London’s arms fair has opened this morning to a wave of protest and criticism. Protestors have demonstrated both outside the fair and at the offices of UKTI, the government unit through which the arms fair is subsidised.

Campaigners against next month's arms fair in London have announced that faith groups will hold a united silent vigil on the eve of the event. Members of several faith communities from London and beyond are expected to participate.

Clarion Events, organisers of the forthcoming London arms fair, have bought yet another weapons exhibition, despite public criticism of their participation in the arms trade.

The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has pointed to nationwide protests against the arms industry as evidence of “public revulsion". Such feelings are expected to increase ahead of the London arms fair in September.

An international arms fair opening in London yesterday was met with a wave of protest from local residents, community leaders, politicians and Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT).

An arms fair taking place in London this week will be run for the last time by its current owner Reed Elsevier, which is putting it up for sale. Campaigners say they believe it may be the beginning of the end for the military exhibition.