Pro-Palestine campaigners have staged a significant blockade outside a major aerospace defence factory in Edinburgh, bringing attention to the facility's role in manufacturing components for military aircraft used by Israel.
Factory Entrance Blockaded by Protesters
The demonstration took place at the Leonardo UK factory in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning, where approximately 100 protesters gathered, many holding Palestine flags. The activists successfully blockaded the entrance to the facility, disrupting normal operations and drawing public attention to their cause.
Targeting F-35 Component Production
The protesters specifically targeted Leonardo UK because the company manufactures components for F-35 combat aircraft. These advanced fighter jets are produced by Lockheed Martin and have been used by the Israeli military in recent conflicts. The campaigners are demanding that Leonardo UK terminate its F-35 contract with Lockheed Martin immediately.
Andy, a 30-year-old protester who declined to provide his surname, explained their objectives: "We want to encourage workers of Leonardo to take action within their trade union to end this F-35 contract with Lockheed Martin, and amplify the voices of Palestine Action prisoners who have been on hunger strike in British prisons."
Concerns About Ongoing Violence
Another participant, Asleem, a 29-year-old health charity worker, expressed concerns about continuing violence despite official ceasefire declarations. "Officially there has been a 'ceasefire', but the indiscriminate killing and maiming has not ceased," she stated, highlighting the moral imperative behind their protest action.
Company Response Awaited
Leonardo UK has been approached for comment regarding the protest and the specific demands made by the demonstrators. The company's response to these allegations and whether it will reconsider its defence contracts remains to be seen as the protest continues to draw attention to the ethical dimensions of arms manufacturing and international conflict.
The blockade represents part of a broader movement of pro-Palestine activism targeting companies involved in defence supply chains connected to the Israeli military. Similar protests have occurred at other defence facilities across the United Kingdom in recent months, though the Edinburgh action marks one of the more substantial demonstrations specifically focused on F-35 component production.
