Group to protest against defence convention

The campaigners are on a five-day walk, which included a stop at arms manufacturer Roxel UK, Kidderminster

A group of campaigners will hold a peaceful protest outside an events centre to oppose a defence convention that will be held there.

The protest was due to take place on Saturday outside Telford International Centre (TIC), where the convention will be held.

The centre is to host the Specialist Defence and Security Convention UK (SDSC-UK) between 18 to 20 November.

A spokesperson for the TIC said: "We do respect the right to peaceful protest, with the fair understanding the health and safety of our staff team and protection of private space is our right and paramount."

The campaigners, who call themselves "Peace Pilgrims", will hold a large puppet of the Dove of Peace outside the building.

The TIC is the final stop of a five-day walk for the group of campaigners, who began their journey in Malvern, also stopping at Roxel UK, near Kidderminster, which designs, makes, and sells propulsion systems for rockets and missiles.

SDSC-UK is described as an opportunity to bring together defence bosses and manufacturers.

It was previously held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern, but moved to the TIC for the first time in November 2023.

Formerly a two-day event, 2024 will see it run over three days.