A GROUP of peace campaigners is calling for a controversial defence industry event in Malvern to be cancelled.

The group, who call themselves the Three Counties Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) have called for the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo (3CDSE) event to be cancelled, saying it is an “arms fair” and is “totally inappropriate” for the area.

The event had been due to go ahead next month, but has been postponed until February. Despite this, the campaigners want it banned indefinitely.

Rebecca Tully, a founder member of the group, said: “We are delighted the 3CDSE has been postponed but it should be cancelled forever, as holding an arms fair on a space for all the community, run by a charity, is totally inappropriate.

"We don’t want an arms fair here ever. This is not consistent with the charitable objectives of our local show-ground.”

READ MORE: Last year's expo was cancelled - here is what happened

Despite the criticism, Richard Morgan, President of 3CDSE, said the businesses involved make a "significant contribution to the local economy" and reduce the number of human casualties of conflict.

He said: "It is reputed that 90% of the small to medium sized businesses in defence and security reside in the Three Counties of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire, and 3CDSE was set up in response to the desire of local businesses to foster closer relationships with those who sought to procure their products and services which are developed for specialist users, and which includes the MOD and Prime contractors.

"The event focusses on technology including Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence and unmanned vehicles, which are aimed at improving defence and security knowledge and reducing human casualties."

Ken Nottage, CEO, Three Counties Showground, added: "Three Counties Showground operates and hosts shows and events that regularly attract 1 million visitors in a normal year.

READ MORE: How we covered the first protest against the expo back in 2019

"The annual economic benefit of these activities supports over 400 jobs and includes roles for retired and ex-service personnel, such as site safety and security.

"We are hugely supportive of third party events such as the Three Counties Defence and Security Expo (3CDSE). Events like these have a vital role to play in encouraging and supporting local business enterprise."

Mr Morgan added: “3CDSE also recognises the importance of supporting our forces. In 2019’s event, the 3CDSE organisers signed the Armed Forces Covenant as part of the Expo.

"The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that acknowledges that those who serve and their families should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, the economy and the society they serve with their lives.

"Thirty per cent of our profits are distributed to military charities and a further 55 per cent are donated to the Three Counties Defence and Security Group (3CDSG) trade association to support small and medium-sized enterprises to attend future business development events."