Pro-Palestinian protesters blockaded the entrance to Leonardo's aerospace defence factory in Edinburgh on Thursday, asserting they are on "the right side of history" in their opposition to the company's involvement with F-35 fighter jets. Members of the group Stop Arming Israel gathered outside the facility on Crewe Road North, accusing Leonardo of complicity in what they termed "genocide and the Zionist war machine."
Protesters' Demands and Statements
Masked demonstrators held banners reading "Leonardo F35s: Paid for in blood" and demanded that Leonardo UK sever its ties with the F-35 programme, which is led by Lockheed Martin. John, a 67-year-old protester from Glasgow who declined to give his surname, told the Press Association: "We are here out of conviction. We feel that we’re on the right side of the law, the right side of history, actually." He emphasised that the issue was both moral and political for many participants.
Another protester, Tyler, an Edinburgh resident in his 20s who also withheld his real name, stated: "We’re here as Scottish residents and workers blocking the entrance to Leonardo’s factory, which is a factory that produces weapons that are part of the pipeline that makes its way from our backyard in Edinburgh to the Zionist war machine, which involves the genocide in Gaza and the slaughter of children in Iran and Lebanon."
Leonardo's Response
A spokesperson for Leonardo said: "Earlier today, a group of protesters gathered at the entrance to our Crewe Toll site in Edinburgh. While we respect the right to peaceful protest, the safety and wellbeing of our employees and the local community remain our absolute priority. Police are in attendance and the situation is being managed safely." The spokesperson added that Leonardo UK is subject to UK Government export controls and all exports undergo rigorous licensing processes, noting that the company does not supply equipment directly to Israel.
John challenged this statement, arguing: "It doesn’t work like that. [Leonardo] are supplying components into the world market for a piece of military equipment that they know is being used to carry out the genocide, to conduct the attacks on the people in Gaza. In actual fact, we are here to uphold international law. We’re here to uphold the principles of what the International Court of Justice has laid down."
Police Involvement
Police Scotland confirmed they were called to the scene at around 5.15am on Thursday. A spokesperson said: "Officers are in attendance." The protest continued peacefully with police managing the situation.
