ANTI Nuclear protesters are planning a mass demonstration at a conference in Glasgow where some of the world’s biggest arms manufacturers will promote weapons.

The undersea Defence Technology conference is taking place at the SEC later this month.

SNP and Green politicians have criticised the decision to allow the conference in Glasgow and campaigners are organising a rally and protest outside.

A number of groups, including Scottish CND are co-ordinating action on June 26 when the opening day of the conference takes place.

Politicians have been invited to speak at the rally.

Kate Nevens of Campaign Against Arms Trade branded the event a “carnival of militarism”.

She said: “Glasgow City Council is trying to pretend this isn’t an arms fair, but many of the companies invited have armed and supported human rights abusing regimes around the world. Others have profited from the production of nuclear weapons.

“We will be there to send the message loudly and clearly that the people of Scotland want to sink UDT and end council support for the arms industry.”

The event will feature sessions on torpedoes and on technology for Dreadnaught and Astute submarines. Dreadnaught carries Trident II missiles.

The protest is being organised by the Sink the Arms Fair coalition which includes Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, Scotland Against Militarism, Campaign Against Arms Trade, Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Food Not Bombs.

Sean Clerkin campaigner who is involved with Glasgow Coalition against the Arms Trade, said: “There will be peaceful non-violent direct action to protest against these companies.”

He said there were plans for a “mass die-in” in the city centre and an event outside the SEC.

Delegates from around 40 countries will arrive in the city for the three-day conference.

Speakers include Major General Robert Magowan, Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff and Controller of the Navy, Moises Deltorro III, Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare of the US Navy and Kristina Murrin, Director of Defence Innovation at the MoD.

A three day pas for industry representatives costs £1850 while military personnel have free access.