News / protest
Protesters demand arms embargo outside Filton defence firm
Palestinian flags billowed in the wind as around 70 people took part in a demonstration in Filton condemning the UK’s “complicity in the Gaza genocide”.
The protest, held on Wednesday, was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), with other groups represented including Stand Up to Racism, Bristol Socialist Worker Student Society (SWSS) and Bristol Quakers.
The building targeted houses the UK branch of Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company.
Bristol24/7 has contacted Elbit Systems UK for comment.
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Dr Eldin Fahmy, a University of Bristol academic, described the demonstration as “one of five regional protests across the country against arms companies involved in and facilitating Israel’s genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people”.
He added that Bristol PSC was “joined here by campaigners from Cardiff, from Stroud and from Gloucester.”
Elbit Systems describes itself as the “backbone” of the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) drone fleet, supplying parts for drones that have been used in attacks on Gaza since October 2023.
The company previously operated another site nearby in Aztec West business park which reportedly closed in September after numerous protests by Palestine Action.
Cut-out masks depicted Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK
Some of the protesters held cut-outs over their faces depicting Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK.
An unnamed protester from Art Against War Club (AAWC) said the cut-outs were “taken from the exhibition at M Shed that was censored by Bristol City Council”, referring to the exhibition The Anatomy of Solidarity.
Francis, a retiree who had travelled from Exmouth to join the protest, said he had been “supporting Palestinians since 1959, when I was born”.
Francis travelled from Exmouth to protest
Jack, a Bristol SWSS activist, said: “We know we can’t rely on this government to take any practical, moral or humanity-based decision in their political and policy choices.
“We have to rely on the people, some of whom work inside these factories.”
Jack from SWSS told Bristol24/7 the protest aimed to pressure those who work at the building
Fahmy demanded “comprehensive sanctions on arms exports to Israel” from the UK government.
“It’s time to this country’s complicity in the genocide”, he added.
An unnamed speaker said that “at least ten coaches” would travel from Bristol on Saturday transporting protesters to the ‘Together for Palestine March’ in London.
All photos & videos: Lenny Osler
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