A group of pro-Palestinian activists, operating under the banner of Palestine Action, has once again targeted Teledyne CML Composites, a factory located in Bromborough, Wirral, which manufactures key components for the F-35 fighter jets.
The protestors scaled the building, cut holes in the roof, and sprayed red paint across the exterior of the facility, symbolising the bloodshed in Gaza, where F-35 jets have reportedly been used in Israeli airstrikes.
The incident is the latest in a series of actions by Palestine Action, which has repeatedly targeted facilities linked to the production of military equipment used by the Israeli military. According to the activists, the F-35 jets play a significant role in Israel’s operations in Gaza, a focal point of international concern over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Significant Disruption to Production
Reports suggest that the damage caused during this protest could have severe consequences for Teledyne CML Composites’ production capacity. A senior manager at the company indicated that damage to the clean rooms—critical for the manufacture of precision parts—could lead to a halt in production for up to 12 months. Clean rooms are essential for maintaining the contamination-free environment required for producing high-specification components used in military aircraft like the F-35.
This protest follows a pattern of disruptive actions by Palestine Action. In July, activists used a van to ram the factory gates and, like the most recent protest, sprayed red paint on the building. Earlier this year, in April, the group also targeted another Teledyne site in Shipley, disrupting operations related to military electronics. These sustained efforts underscore the group’s commitment to challenging what they view as the UK’s complicity in arming the Israeli military.
Broader Anti-Arms Export Movement
Palestine Action’s actions are part of a broader movement within the UK aimed at stopping the export of military equipment to countries involved in conflict, particularly Israel. The activists argue that their protests are designed to draw attention to the human cost of the UK’s arms exports, with Gaza being a key symbol of the harm they believe is caused by these sales.
Companies like Teledyne, however, operate within the bounds of legally approved export agreements, complying with international law and government regulations. The debate surrounding these protests often centres on the tension between the right to lawful protest and the damage caused to businesses and the communities they employ.
Similar incidents have occurred across the UK in recent years. For example, in 2022, five activists caused over £1 million worth of damage at a Thales UK facility in Glasgow.
Those involved were later jailed, despite none of the equipment produced at the site being destined for Israel. These protests highlight the extent to which activists are willing to go to disrupt the operations of companies involved in the production of military hardware, even at significant legal and financial risk.
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Anti-Israel Sentiment Abounds: “But Is Anyone Listening to the Real Truth?’ asks Chris White
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