During the week of 20th January 2025, the trial of six activists, including four Quakers, took place at Walsall Magistrates Court. The defendants - Ali Bath, Rajan Naidu, Louise Scrivens, Ralph Wallin, Fran Wilde, and Heather Wilde were arrested on 1st November 2023 for protesting outside Telford International Centre during the SDSC-UK (Strategic Defence and Security Convention), also known as the Telford Arms Fair.

They were charged under the Public Order Act 2023 for locking on to each other and the venues gates, a peaceful protest tactic symbolising the publics forced complicity in the arms trade. The trial, overseen by District Judge Wheeler, has been adjourned, with a verdict expected at Wolverhampton Magistrates Court on 3rd March.

The Prosecution dismissed the protest as attention-seeking, while the Defence argued that the activists were acting out of conscience, raising concerns about war profiteering, climate destabilisation, and the need for peace-building solutions. The Human Rights Act (Articles 10 & 11) and past legal precedents, including the DPP vs Ziegler case, were cited to defend the protesters' right to take action.

The protest and trial have drawn widespread support from Quakers, Extinction Rebellion, Trade Union Councils, Palestine Solidarity groups, The Workers Party, the Communist Party, and Friends of the Earth. Over 60 supporters attended court proceedings, demonstrating solidarity outside and inside the courtroom.

Walsall TUC stands in solidarity with those challenging the arms trade and defending the right to protest.

RESULT!! The trial originally adjourned to 3rd March 2023 for verdict preparation was concluded early to minimise public expense and inconvenience. As directed by District Judge Michael Wheeler on 26th February 2025, defendants and their advocates are not required to attend court on 3rd March 2025. Additionally, defendants’ bail ceases immediately upon receipt of this notice. Any defendant seeking a Central Funds Costs Order must submit a written or email request to the court by 31st March 2025, which will be considered administratively.