A group of activists from Glasgow Palestine Action network have today shut down Thales UK,
the weapons systems manufacturer, in Govan, Glasgow. ---- The activists climbed onto the
factory roof, and blocked the doors, during the early hours of the morning and are
planning to remain as long as possible. Activists are blockading both entrances, lying on
the ground attached to arm tubes, and are occupying the roof. ---- The action is in
response to the recent Israeli bombardment of Gaza, and the UK economy?s ever growing
military industrial cooperation with governments that flout international law. In just
over 7 weeks, Israel, armed with weapons supplied by the UK, killed more than 2000
innocent Palestinians. ---- Thales is being targeted today for their close relationship
with Elbit Systems, Israel?s largest military company and the world?s largest drone
producer. In a joint venture, Thales UK is working with Elbit Systems to make the next
generation of ?Watchkeeper? drones, a contact worth ?1 billion. These drones are based
upon the Hermes 450, which was documented killing Palestinian civilians in Gaza in
2008-2009. The drones are marketed as ?field tested? ? which means they have proven
effective at killing Palestinians.
Fifi O?Hara, one of the roof occupiers, explains: ?Drones are a key part of Israel?s
military arsenal. By allowing this factory to export drone components and other arms to
Israel, the UK government is providing direct support and approval to Israel?s massacres.?
Speaking about Scotland, Latrice Royale said: ?The UK government, and by allowing Thales
to operate with Elbit systems, have blood on their hands. Last year alone the UK
government had 381 extant arms licences to Israel, worth almost ?8 billion. We demand that
the Scottish government puts pressure on the UK government to end arms sales to Israel.
And also takes active steps towards ending the production of weapons systems in Scotland
that are connected to apartheid, colonialism and genocide. Another Scotland is possible!?
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