Today, in a significant demonstration of solidarity with Palestine, hundreds of trade unionists, rallying under the banner ‘Workers for a Free Palestine,’ blockaded the BAE Systems factory in Kent. This action was in response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
The protesters, who gathered at the site around 7 am, effectively blocked all entrances to the factory. Many held banners with messages such as ‘Stop arming Israel’ and were heard chanting slogans like ‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.’
[data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;} _psEmbed(“https://uknip.photoshelter.com”);An organizer of the protest stated that over 400 trade unionists participated, representing various professions including health workers, teachers, hospitality workers, academics, artists, and more. They are members of major trade unions such as Unite, Unison, GMB, the NEU, the BMA, UCU, BECTU, and BFAWU.
This blockade is part of an ‘international day of action’ initiated by Palestinian trade unions. The day is meant to protest against Israel’s actions in Gaza and to call for an end to what they term as complicity in Israel’s war crimes. Another prominent banner at the site read ‘This factory arms genocide’.
The BAE Systems site in Chatham is known for producing electronic systems for Boeing and Airbus, as well as advanced helmet-mounted displays for the F-35 Lightning stealth combat aircraft. These helmets are designed to provide pilots with a 360-degree view using infrared cameras.
The protest comes after Israel’s Ministry of Defence’s recent approval to purchase 25 more F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin, raising its total fleet to 75. The demonstrators allege that BAE Systems’ factory is indirectly contributing to the conflict in Gaza through its manufacturing activities.
Alexandra, a teacher and member of the National Education Union participating in the blockade, expressed her distress over the bombing of educational institutions in Gaza and criticized the UK Government and Labour opposition for their perceived inaction. She emphasized the need for workers to take action against the arms industry’s involvement in the conflict.
Kent Police were present at the scene but maintained a distance as activists continued their protest. They chanted slogans like ‘1,2,3,4, occupation no more; 5,6,7,8, Israel is a terrorist state’, and called for an end to UK arms sales to Israel.
A spokesperson for BAE Systems responded to the protest, expressing horror over the situation in Israel and Gaza and reiterating the company’s commitment to operating under strict regulations and compliance with defence export controls.
In related news, more than 70,000 people are expected to participate in a protest in London against Israel’s actions in Gaza, scheduled a few hours after the Armistice Day two-minute silence at the Cenotaph.
Amidst these developments, police chiefs have cancelled leaves and drafted additional officers to manage potential clashes between different groups during the weekend’s events. Sir Mark Rowley of the Met Police affirmed the force’s readiness to protect national events and clamp down on any criminality or violence.
