Campaigners blockade BAE Systems site in Glasgow over ‘Israel ties’
Campaigners are staging a blockade at a defence company’s shipyard in Glasgow in protest over its ties to Israel as they call for a ceasefire.
The blockade at the entrances to the BAE Systems site in Govan in Glasgow has been organised by a local group in co-ordination with Workers for a Free Palestine.
They are urging BAE to end their ties with Israel and cease all weapons, defence and supplies trading with them.
They are also calling on the UK Government to back a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and are calling for an end to the occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Activists holding a banner saying “Stop Arming Israel” could be seen at one of the entrances, while at another demonstrators held Palestinian flags.
They claim that BAE systems produces components of weapons sold to Israel, such as the F35 combat aircraft and the Mk 38 Mod 2 machine gun system.
Scott, a youth worker aged 26, who did not wish to give his surname, said: “We are not here to shame or blame workers at BAE.
“The company’s management decides what to produce and who to sell to – it is them we hold accountable for being part of the chain of killing.”
Jay, a visual artist aged 24, said: “I came here today to show that direct action is for everyone and that together, we can change the way the world turns.”
The action in Glasgow is part of co-ordinated action which aims to blockade three other arms factories in different parts of the UK.
BAE systems has been asked for comment.
Published: by Radio NewsHub