A GROUP of protestors, who claim BAE Systems is ‘selling arms to the Israeli Army,’ is demanding the company is ‘evicted’ from its office in Southwark.
The UK’s biggest arms maker – which has its London office in the Blue Fin Building on Southwark Street – is now facing backlash from local residents over its ties with Israel amid the ongoing conflict.
Nigel Frost, a resident who has organised the protest, told us: “We’re here today because BAE industries are in this building here and they are supplying the Israeli Army with arms that are killing people in Gaza.”
Another protestor, Charlotte, commented on her decision to join the protest: “I think we’re all seeing what’s happening in Palestine right now and are disgusted and heartbroken. And people who are supporting it should not be allowed to be in this building.”
The group asked the management of this building to evict them, and explained their final aim as to ‘shut BAE down’.
A BAE Systems spokesperson said: “We’re horrified by the situation in Israel and Gaza and the devastating impact it’s having on civilians in the region and we hope it can be resolved as soon as possible. We respect everyone’s right to protest peacefully. We operate under the tightest regulation and comply fully with all applicable defence export controls, which are subject to ongoing assessment.”
In November, the News reported that all three Southwark MPs had abstained from the vote which called for an ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza.
Whilst Helen Hayes MP and Harriet Harman MP failed to respond for comment on the matter, Neil Coyle said he had abstained from the vote after calling it ‘a juvenile oversimplification’ on what is a ‘complex and difficult issue.’
The Bermondsey and Old Southwark MP said: “Even if every Labour MP had voted for it the result would have been the same defeat by the Government. Even if every Tory voted for it the result would be meaningless to Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
Reflecting on the result of this vote, Nigel added: “The majority of Southwark and Lambeth residents want a ceasefire in Gaza. They do not represent the community. We will remember.” Asked how long the protest will last, he said: “Indefinitely – as long as it takes.”
In Scotland, similar protests took place at the BAE Systems factory last month – with reports of a pro-Palestinian group ‘blockading’ the entrance of the site.
We asked the Blue Fin Building for their stance on the matter but they did not respond.
Click here to see the protest in action on TikTok.