Welsh weapons factory blockaded by protestors over Israel's war in Gaza

Protestors from the Cymru Peace Coalition peacefully blockaded the BAE Systems Glascoed facility in Pontypool. The coalition said they had targeted the site claiming BAE was one of Britain's biggest weapons suppliers to Israel and calling for an end to the UK Government's arms sales to Israel. BAE Systems has denied selling military equipment directly to the Government of Israel

The group blockaded entrances to the weapons factory for several hours on Wednesday, November 28, preventing traffic from entering or leaving the site. They also held up banners saying "stop arming genocide" and "UK weapons kill", with photos showing that police were also in attendance.

The coalition included local peace campaigners, community members, workers, Cardiff Stop the War and Extinction Rebellion activists. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter

The action comes following a call for a global week of action for Palestine, starting yesterday. During this week, the coalition said they would respond to this call to action "by peacefully picketing companies that profit from the weapons Israel uses in its ongoing genocide against Palestinians".

The coalition claimed the blockade had targeted BAE systems because "they produce and export a range of weapons used by the IDF to conduct airstrikes and attacks against Palestinians, contributing to the on-going genocide." The group added that BAE systems made parts of the F-35 stealth fighter jet and the F-16 which had been used in Gaza.

A BAE Systems spokesperson said: “We do not currently sell military equipment directly to the Government of Israel, nor do we have any operations or employees in Israel or Gaza. The situation in Israel and Gaza is having a devastating impact on civilians in the region and we hope it can be resolved as soon as possible. We respect everyone’s right to protest peacefully.”

Chief Superintendent Leanne Brustad of Gwent Police said: "We attended a report of a planned protest in Glascoed on Wednesday, November 27, to facilitate a peaceful and safe gathering. No arrests were made."

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