Hundreds of Trade Unionists Blockade BAE Factory in Pro-Palestine Protest
In a bold show of defiance, over 400 trade unionists stormed the BAE Systems factory in Kent today. Rallying under the slogan ‘Workers for a Free Palestine’, they blockaded the site in direct response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
Protesters Demand End to UK Arms Sales to Israel
The crowd arrived early, around 7am, sealing off all entrances to the factory. Many brandished banners shouting “Stop arming Israel”, while chants of “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” echoed through the site.
Organisers revealed the diverse turnout included health workers, teachers, hospitality staff, academics, and artists. Major unions such as Unite, GMB, NEU, BMA, UCU, BECTU, and BFAWU were all represented.
BAE Chatham: Arms Maker Targeted Over Gaza Conflict
The factory in Chatham is key to producing electronic systems for Boeing and Airbus, plus high-tech helmet displays for the F-35 Lightning stealth jets. These helmets give pilots a 360-degree view using infrared cameras.
The protest gained fresh fuel after Israel’s Ministry of Defence greenlit the purchase of 25 additional F-35s from Lockheed Martin, swelling its fleet to 75 jets. Activists claim BAE’s work indirectly fuels the Gaza war.
Police Watch as Protesters Call Out Government
Alexandra, a National 1 Union teacher taking part, condemned the bombing of schools in Gaza and slammed the UK Government and Labour for their silence. She stressed the urgent need for workers to halt the arms industry’s role in the conflict.
Kent Police monitored the protest but kept their distance as demonstrators chanted slogans like “1,2,3,4, occupation no more; 5,6,7,8, Israel is a terrorist state”, demanding the UK stop selling arms to Israel.
BAE Systems responded, expressing horror at the crisis in Israel and Gaza, and insisted they operate under strict export controls and regulations.
Massive Gaza Protest Set for London as Security Tightens
Following this, over 70,000 people are expected to join a huge protest in London tonight, hours after the Cenotaph’s Armistice Day silence. Police chiefs have cancelled leave and deployed extra officers to prevent clashes between rival groups.
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley vowed to safeguard national events and clamp down on any violence or crime during the weekend.
