Opposition against the DSEI arms fair in Custom House is heating up as the expo gets underway showing weapons and other military technology.

Police said at least 116 people have been arrested in the protest against the event.

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined the chorus of criticism on September 8 when he told The Independent he wanted the fair to "get out of London".

The statement comes after figures like the former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and world-famous artist Anish Kapoor backed the Campaign Against the Arms Trade, the group organising many of the demonstrations.

Newham Council and the borough's mayor Rokhsana Fiaz have also come out against the event.

Newham Recorder: Police and protestors at DSEI 2019. Picture: Luke Acton.Police and protestors at DSEI 2019. Picture: Luke Acton. (Image: Archant)

After establishing an encampment on September 2, protestors have regularly tried to deny road access in an effort to stop DSEI going forward.

Dozens of people have been arrested for offences like aggravated trespass and obstruction of the highway.

DSEI has drawn criticism on a range of issues, which obviously include the ethics of selling weapons, but also conflict's impact on the planet.

Extinction Rebellion threw its weight behind the campaign on September 4 by blocking road access with one of its signature boats.

By the end of the day, at least 21 protestors had been arrested.

Around 270 healthcare professionals under the charity Medact added the human impact of war to the list of grievances.

They called on the government to halt export licences for sales of arms to countries involved in human rights abuses.

For it's part, the council hosted a "peace event" with film screenings, talks, and an open mic night.

Mayor Fiaz said: "It is abhorrent that such an event should happen in Newham and it is important that we make clear our opposition to the DSEI going ahead in our borough.

"Newham is a very diverse borough and many of our communities have links across the globe to those areas that have been affected by conflict, displacement, and the horror of war.

"This council is taking a stand and, in line with the motion approved at full council, is doing everything we can to prevent the DSEI coming to Newham ever again."