The Leonardo UK factory in Southampton has had its roof occupied by activists from Palestine Action this morning (Thursday, November 16).
The group says they have "occupied the rooftop, shutting down production at the site" at Millbrook Industrial Estate because the firm "supplies Israel".
The activity at the Southampton Leonardo UK factory follows the group's occupation of the Leonardo UK head office on November 2.
Palestine Action on the roof at Leonardo UK in Southampton pic.twitter.com/X9gjcH93gs
— Daily Echo (@dailyecho) November 16, 2023
Footage has shown the activists on the roof hit parts of the building with sledgehammers.
They are now being arrested by police.
Who is Leonardo UK?
On its website, Leonardo UK describes itself as "one of the UK's leading aerospace companies and one of biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MOD".
It adds: "Leonardo makes a significant contribution to the UK economy with revenues of £1.9bn, around 45% of which are in export.
"The company operates from 8 main sites across the UK employing over 8,000 highly skilled people."
More footage shows Palestine Action activists using sledgehammers to cause damage at Leonardo UK in Southampton pic.twitter.com/i5FQN57XOB
— Daily Echo (@dailyecho) November 16, 2023
Discussing its supply chain, it adds: "Our seven major sites across the UK each bring investment into the local economy and wider region through strong links with supply chain companies in the surrounding areas. We spend approximately £600m with over 2,100 companies in our UK supply chain annually."
Leonardo UK is a branch of Leonardo S.p.A which is headquartered in Rome and is partially owned by the Italian government.
The firm's Southampton factory employs around 400 staff and manufactures InfraRed (IR) detectors and Thermal Imaging (TI) sensors.
These play "a crucial role in supporting military, security and civil clients operating in the most challenging environments worldwide".
Who are Palestine Action?
On its website, Palestine Action describes itself as a group that takes "direct action against Israel's arms trade in Britain".
It formed in July 2020 and uses civil disobedience tactics to disrupt the operations of defence contractors.
Their first notable action was when activists broke into and spray-painted the interior of Elbit Systems' UK headquarters in London.
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