PROTESTERS have begun occupying an arms factory in Glasgow amid anger over what they claim is the company’s involvement in drones used in the surveillance of Palestine's people.
It is the second time that Palestine Action Scotland has targeted the Thales factory in Govan – which has been evacuated since the activists entered the building and began to cause damage.
The premises have been evacuated, as reports indicate the factory is not able to continue operating as usual.
According to Palestine Action Scotland, the protesters climbed onto roof and started to “damage” facilities early on Monday morning. In a tweet they claimed to be "smashing up" the building.
“Their occupation is ongoing, rendering Thales’s conveyor belt of weapons inoperable,” the group said.
Campaigners expressed anger over Thales’s arms productions – which includes military frones and armoured vehicles – but singled out the firm’s involvement in the Watchkeeper drone scheme.
The drone, made in collaboration with Israel’s Elbit Systems, has been used in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine, as well as over British waters, the group claims.
“Those in Gaza will often speak of how the drone’s constant presence, including its persistent buzzing noise, induces anxiety and fear, and adds to the constant state of trauma Gaza lives in,” the group said.
“Stories like these have prompted activists to ensure the root of the misery – Britain’s arms industry, is struck at through direct action.”
Police Scotland said officers arrived at the building at 5.20am and have been on the ground since.
A spokesperson said: "Police were called to a report of a demonstration within the grounds of a business premises on Linthouse Road, Govan, Glasgow. Officers remain at the scene.
"Police Scotland is a rights-based organisation that puts our values of integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights at the heart of everything we do.
"We have a duty under the European Convention on Human Rights to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter protest balanced against the rights of the wider community."
A spokesperson for Thales said: “We can confirm we have been working with the police to resolve this latest incident at our Glasgow site. The safety of our employees remains our primary concern at this time while we co-operate with the authorities.
“The UK defence and security industry works within robust ethical standards that are among the highest found anywhere in the world, and treats its responsibilities under the law with the utmost seriousness.
“The defence sector is proud to support our Armed Forces with the equipment they need to protect our national security. Defence companies in Scotland and across the UK also provide thousands of rewarding, highly-skilled, and long-term jobs.”
