Glasgow's BAE Systems shipyard blocked by pro-Palestine protesters

Keiran Fleming & Alan Jones & Lucinda Cameron

1 May 2024 at 8:42 am·2-min read

Protesters form a blockade outside weapons manufacturer BAE Systems in Glasgow -Credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

The Glasgow shipyard of UK defence contractor BAE Systems has been blocked by pro-Palestine demonstrators who are protesting the UK's links with the Israeli arms industry.

The group are still outside the Govan site amid their calls for a ceasefire and an immediate halt to the killing of civilians in Gaza.

Photos show activists standing outside the gates whilst police are also in attendance. Signs held by the protesters read: "Stop arming genocide" and "this factory arms".

A video taken from the scene appears to show BAE System workers walking away from the shipyard with protesters claiming it has been 'shut down'.

The company produces parts required to build the F-35 aircraft, which has previously been used by the Israeli army. The demonstration in Glasgow is part of a UK-wide movement on May Day, with further action taking place south of the border.

Speaking in Glasgow, demonstrator Jamie – who did not wish to give a surname, said: “Our fundamental aim is for the UK Government to introduce an arms embargo, it’s the morally right thing to do.

“It’s vital that action is taken, it’s been almost seven months of death and destruction in Palestine and the idea that that is being committed by weapons that are being produced in our neighbourhoods is horrifying.

Police are also on the scene -Credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

“Our long term goal is an arms embargo from the government but our short term aim here today is to just disrupt business as usual for BAE, to disrupt the manufacture, to cost them time, cost them money and slow down the trade of weapons to Israel.”

BAE System factories in Wales and Lancashire have also been targeted by pro-Palestine activists.

A spokesperson from the defence company said: “The ongoing violence in the Middle East is having a devastating impact on civilians in the region and we hope the parties involved find a way to end the violence as soon as possible.

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“We respect everyone’s right to protest peacefully.

"We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment.”

Some workers negotiate entry as protesters form a blockade outside weapons manufacturer BAE Systems in Glasgow -Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 4.55am on Wednesday, May 1 police were called to a report of a demonstrated outside the grounds of a business premises on Govan Road, Govan, Glasgow.

"Officers remain at the scene."

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