PROTESTERS have blockaded a defence company’s shipyard in Glasgow in a show of solidarity to the people of Palestine.
On Wednesday morning protesters gathered at the BAE Systems site in Govan in response to calls to disrupt the flow of arms to Israel.
BAE Systems is one of the UK’s leading arms companies and produces 15% of the components required for the F-35 aircraft, which have previously been used by the Israeli army during its bombardment of Gaza.
The company is also in the process of building Type 26 Frigate ships, which will be decked out with armour developed in Israel.
READ MORE: Israel fears Benjamin Netanyahu set to be charged with war crimes
While other countries such as Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands have all suspended the transfer of arms to Israel, the UK continues to sell weapons to the country despite warnings that it could implicate the UK Government in allegations of genocide.
On May Day, traditionally the holiday for workers and trade unionists, groups across the UK are together enforcing an “arms embargo from below” in the face of continued lack of action by the UK Government.
One protester at the BAE site, Jamie, 32, who works at a Scottish university, said: “Even though the First Minister has said he supports an arms embargo, Scotland is still part of the chain of killing.
“And with Scottish arms companies having over 1000 secret talks with Westminster since 2012, we need action.
READ MORE: The arms firms receiving taxpayer cash in Scotland
“That's why we are doing the embargo ourselves, bringing Scottish solidarity to the people of Palestine who have suffered uncountable horrors and humiliation in 75 years of occupation.’ Justine, 39, an education worker and trade unionist from Glasgow, added: “We have seen workers across the UK participating in solidarity actions with Palestine, including donating money, time and resources, building relationships and taking direct action.
“On this May Day we are thinking particularly of our fellow workers in Palestine whose lives are maimed by the occupation and the current genocide.
“Shutting down arms factories for even a day of business doesn't just show our disgust - it damages the profits of bosses and shareholders, while the workers still get a full day's pay.”
More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, according to officials in Gaza.
The protest comes after Israeli officials expressed concern that the International Criminal Court could charge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with war crimes.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 4.55am on Wednesday, 1 May 2024, police were called to a report of a demonstration outside the grounds of a business premises on Govan Road, Govan, Glasgow.
"Officers remain at the scene."
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