Top Gear linked to arms trade
Thursday, 30 October 2008 6:35 PM
Popular BBC motor programme Top Gear is facing criticism over its links with a company which purchases arms fairs.
The Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) has written to the BBC today over its role in the MPH motor show which opens today in London.
MPH will be run in association with Top Gear, but it is owned by Clarion Events, which also runs arms fairs.
"Clarion owns arms fairs which have cheerfully invited officials from brutal regimes such as China, Colombia and Saudi Arabia," said CAAT spokesperson Symon Hill.
"Involvement with this trade is not an option for any company that cares about its reputation."
The MPH Show takes place at Earl's Court, London from October 30th to November 2nd and in the NEC, Birmingham from November 13th to 16th.
In May, Clarion Events bought three arms fairs from Reed Elsevier, which was pushed into offloading them by a campaign co-ordinated by CAAT.
The events include the biennial London arms fair, Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi), next due in September.
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