LABOUR and Conservative councillors have voted against prohibiting arms manufacturers from using public parks in Edinburgh to test their equipment.
Green councillor Ben Parker tabled the motion, which aimed at banning the practice following a public backlash last year over the arms firm Leonardo testing its equipment in the Braid Hills area of the capital.
Leonardo, which employs around 1800 people at its site near Crewe Toll, was given a licence to test communications equipment in Braid Hills in December last year.
On Thursday, Edinburgh councillors voted 6-5 against introducing the ban, with SNP and Greens voting in favour and Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Tories voting against it.
Cllr Parker said he was “obviously disappointed” at the outcome but said his party will continue to stand up to companies who “profit from war”.
He said: “Today, Councillors had a chance to stand up for peace and instead chose inaction.
“Despite community objections and a clear moral imperative, the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative parties have voted to continue to allow arms manufacturers to test their equipment in our beautiful, publicly owned, green spaces.
“I'm obviously disappointed in the decision made today, but Green Councillors will continue to push for Edinburgh to be a city which stands up for justice and doesn't bend to the whims of companies who profit from war.”
In a written deputation submitted in advance of the committee meeting, the chair of the Friends of the Braid Hills Group, Elaine Le Geyt-Anderson, said it is “unbearable” to watch the genocide unfold in Gaza by equipment manufactured in Edinburgh and tested on the Braid Hills.
She said: “As chair of Friends of the Braid Hills I have stated clearly to the council, as stakeholders, that we strongly oppose the use of Edinburgh green spaces, gifted to the people of Edinburgh, to be used in this way by a company which manufactures components which kill children and bomb hospitals.
“It is unbearable to watch news on our televisions, seeing children maimed and orphaned by equipment manufactured in Edinburgh and now tested on the Braid Hills.”
She added: “The new park management rules must reflect a clear decision never to give permission to any arms manufacturer for the testing of components or equipment on the Braid Hills or any other of Edinburgh’s beautiful green spaces, which were gifted to the city for our enjoyment and wellbeing.”
The City of Edinburgh Council has been approached for comment.
