- Activists blockade BAE shipyard
- Nationwide protests against ties
- BAE faces Israel connections
A blockade of the BAE Systems shipyard in Glasgow has been organized by activists in protest of the company’s connections to Israel.
The demonstration at the entrances to the Govan office of the defense firm was coordinated by a local organization in collaboration with Workers for a Free Palestine.
Additionally, the campaign organization claimed to have obstructed defense facilities in Brighton, Bournemouth, and Lancashire.
Calls to Sever Ties with Israel
It is demanding that BAE Systems sever all ties with Israel and cease all trade in defense equipment, weapons, and supplies.
Additionally, demonstrators flying Palestinian flags demanded that the United Kingdom government support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
BAE Systems stated that “everyone’s right to peaceful protest is respected.”
BAE Systems manufactures components for armaments sold to Israel, including the F35 combat aircraft and the Mk 38 Mod 2 machine gun, according to Workers for a Free Palestine.
The activists erected a substantial banner bearing the inscription “Stop Arming Israel” to obstruct one entrance to the BAE facility.
Officers of Police Scotland were in attendance at the protest.
Bint Sanna, a protester who declined to reveal her true identity, stated that her organization aimed to “cease UK government support for Israel.
She further stated, “They are providing support for their endeavour to perpetrate genocide, which includes the destruction of homes and the murder of thousands of innocent men and women.”
Hex, an additional activist, stated that he traveled from Edinburgh in response to a Palestinian trade union’s appeal to action.
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He stated, “Although we can prevent the factory from operating for a day by closing this door. It is the individuals inside who possess the true authority.”
Oli, a protester, stated that the action was not directed at yard workers.
“We are here to hold the managers accountable for deciding to manufacture and sell armaments to Israel,” he continued.
The Glasgow rally was part of a concerted campaign to block four UK military firms.
Eaton Mission Systems in Wimborne, close to Bournemouth, hosted the most significant event with approximately 600 participants.
“We hope it can be resolved as soon as possible; we are horrified by the situation in Israel and Gaza and the devastation it is causing to civilians in the region,” a BAE Systems spokesperson said.
“We operate under the strictest regulations and adhere completely to all applicable controls on defence exports, which are continuously evaluated.”
This week, BAE Systems announced 300 additional Glasgow jobs to support warship development.
The manufacturer currently maintains a workforce of over 3,200 individuals at its Govan and Scotstoun facilities in Glasgow.
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