Palestine activists occupy factory to disrupt ‘production of arms for Israel’

Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied  a factory in Leicester last Wednesday, claiming they were disrupting  “production of arms and military technology” for Israel.

Supporters of the Palestine Action group chained the gates shut and scaled the roof of the UAV Tactical Systems factory in the Meridian Business Park in Braunstone Town.

Protesters were seen on the roof holding Palestinian flags and chanting “Free Palestine” and Shut Elbit Down”.

They refused to leave the site with emergency services on the scene.

UAV is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, an Israeli-based defence electronics company, and Thales, a French aerospace company.

A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: “We have been at the Meridian Business park through the night assisting the police.”

Palestine Action say that parts made in Leicester are being used in military technology that was used in the conflict in Israel and Gaza.

It said: “[This] action shows it is entirely within our power to stop the production of machinery.

“The past week has shown the relentless death and destruction Israeli forces can and will inflict. It is the duty of anyone who has been rightly appalled by these atrocities to stand up and take action.”

Palestine Action has previously targeted factories in Greater Manchester, Staffordshire and Elbit’s headquarters in Bristol.