Allianz, one of the world's largest insurers, is suing six individuals alleged to have taken part in Palestine Action protests at its UK offices, seeking nearly £300,000 in damages. The civil case relates to protests in October 2024 and March 2025, during which red paint was daubed on the company's headquarters in Guildford, Surrey, and its City of London office.
Palestine Action has repeatedly targeted Allianz over its insurance of Elbit Systems UK, a subsidiary of Israel's largest arms manufacturer. The group claimed to have occupied the Guildford office in 2024, while activists scaled the building with a flag reading 'Drop Elbit' in 2025. Allianz ended its contract with Elbit Systems UK last year.
The six defendants, who have all pleaded not guilty to criminal charges, are seeking a stay of the civil proceedings until after their criminal trials, which they say Allianz has refused. An Allianz spokesperson said the company respects lawful protest but will not tolerate intimidation or threats, and reserves the right to recover damages through civil proceedings.
Defendant Seren John-Wood, 30, called the civil case 'unprecedented and unusual', noting the lower burden of proof in civil courts and the financial disparity between the defendants and Allianz, which reported a record operating profit of €17.4bn last year. Anna Letts, 44, a teacher, said the defendants are working people who would face decades of wage deductions if ordered to pay.
George Elliott, 29, charged in relation to the Guildford protest, argued that Allianz brought reputational damage on itself by insuring Elbit Systems. A ban on Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act was overturned in February but remains in place pending the home secretary's appeal, to be heard on 28 and 29 April.
