Hundreds of campaigners across the UK have gathered outside several defence factories to protest against arms being sent to Israel.

Workers for a Free Palestine, a campaign group, said it had blockaded sites in Bournemouth, Glasgow, Brighton and Lancashire, some of which are operated by defence giant BAE Systems.

Demonstrators want BAE systems and other companies to cut ties with Israel and stop supplying it with any weapons.

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They also want the UK Government to back a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and are calling for Israel to leave the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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People stand outside BAE Systems in Govan near Glasgow

Many of the BAE factories targeted on Thursday are said to be involved in the supply of parts for F-35 fighter aircraft, which the group says is being used in Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

Jenny, a spokeswoman for the Workers for a Free Palestine group, who did not give her surname, said: “The fighter jets these factories help to produce are being used to imprison the people of Gaza in a death trap.

“They are ordered to evacuate when they have nowhere safe to go, while our government still refuses to back a ceasefire.

Protesters form a blockade outside L3Harris factory in Brighton
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In Brighton protesters form a blockade outside L3Harris factory

“Workers all over Britain are rising up for Palestine, saying we will not allow arms used in a genocide to be supplied in our name and funded by our taxes.”

She added campaigners will not stop until factories stop supporting “Israel’s murderous war machine”.

They claim that BAE systems produces components for weapons sold to Israel, such as the F-35 and the Mk 38 Mod 2 machine gun system.

A spokesperson for BAE Systems said it was “horrified” by the situation in Israel and Gaza and it’s “devastating impact” on civilians in the region.

Protesters form a blockade outside BAE Systems in Govan near Glasgow, as part of the ongoing campaign against sending arms to Israel. Picture date: Thursday December 7, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Israel. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
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A sign held by demonstrators reads “Stop Arming Israel” in Govan

“We operate under the tightest regulations and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment”, the spokesperson added.

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Activists holding a banner saying “Stop Arming Israel” could be seen at one of the entrances to the Govan factory, in Glasgow, while others held Palestinian flags.

Police Scotland said it was aware of a protest outside premises in Govan Road and that officers were in attendance.

Protesters form a blockade outside Eaton mission systems in Wimborne near Bournemouth, as part of the ongoing campaign against sending arms to Israel. Picture date: Thursday December 7, 2023. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Israel. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire
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Outside Eaton mission systems in Wimborne

Scott, 26, a youth worker who did not wish to give his surname said that demonstrators were holding the company’s management responsible for their decisions on what to produce and who to sell to and not workers at BAE.

“It is them we hold accountable for being part of the chain of killing,” said Scott, who declined to give his full name.

Similar protests took place in France and Denmark on Thursday.