PRO-PALESTINE campaigners have once again shut down the Leonardo premises in Edinburgh – saying they want to prevent the manufacture of parts for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets.
Activists returned to the site on Crewe Road and used vans to blockade the weapons factory and “halt its contributions to genocide”.
Scottish activists are currently secured to each other on top of the vehicles, closing both entry gates to the plant.
A spokesperson for Palestine Action said: “While the British and Scottish Governments continue to support the Israeli war industry, Palestine Action refuse to permit complicity.
“By shutting down Leonardo, Edinburgh, these activists are preventing the production of Palestinian slaughter.”
The group says that, since 2015, the Edinburgh plant has manufactured the laser-targeting systems for F-35 fighter jets.
It also says that the group received £7 million from the Scottish Government between 2016 and 2020 and a further £786,125 from Scottish Enterprise.
Palestine Action have struck at the plant on numerous occasions since October 2023, including through occupations, blockades and acts of sabotage.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said it was "aware of a protest ongoing at Crewe Road' and that officers are in attendance.
It comes after Amnesty International last week accused Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip since its bombardment started.
The charity said Israel has deliberately sought to destroy Palestinians by mounting deadly attacks, demolishing vital infrastructure and preventing the delivery of food, medicine and other aid.
The National has approached the Scottish Government for further comment.
