Protesters have targeted the Bristol headquarters of one of Britain’s leading defence and arms companies, in a co-ordinated campaign across the country.
Activists from Palestine Action took over the roof and sprayed red paint over the buildings at the UK headquarters of Elbit Systems in the Aztec West business complex near Patchway, Bristol.
The action has also seen the Israeli-owned company’s factory in Oldham, Lancashire, being invaded by campaigners.
Police have been monitoring the situation there all day, but say the action by activists in Bristol is being treated as a civil matter.
Elbit Systems design and manufacture a range of high-tech weapons and arms industry technology, including unmanned armed drones.
Previous protests from Palestine Action and Extinction Rebellion have targeted the factory in Lancashire, and this is the first time the headquarters in Bristol have been targeted.
Two activists spent all day on the roof of the Aztec West building.
Palestine Action said they are targeting the company’s headquarters in protest at the company’s products being marketed as ‘battle-tested’ after they were used by Israeli Defence Forces in the Palestinian territory of the Gaza Strip.
“The company markets its weapons as ‘battle-tested’ on Palestinian civilians in Gaza and uses this as a lucrative ‘selling point’ to encourage oppressive regimes across the world to purchase its hardware,” said a spokesperson for Palestine Action.
“Among other ‘customers’ are the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who use Elbit’s drones to surveil and stop migrants seeking refuge in the UK.
“Elbit market their odious weapons based on how effectively they have killed defenceless Palestinian civilians and children. Israel’s chain of arms factories have absolutely no place in any civilised society and their existence is an utter stain on the UK.
“All those in positions of power who facilitate or invest in their industry, or turn a blind eye to their murderous technology, should hang their heads in shame,” she added.
Elbit Systems have ten sites across the UK, with the Aztec West offices the headquarters for the British arm of the Israel-based company.
Bristol Live approached Elbit Systems about the protests, and is yet to receive a response.
A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “"Police are monitoring an ongoing protest involving a small number of people at Elbit Systems in Aztec West. Currently this is being treated as a civil matter."
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