PRESS RELEASE
27/02/22
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- In a joint attack on Elbit Systems, two locations in Staffordshire have been targeted by Palestine Action activists, this afternoon.
- Elite KL, in Tamworth, has been occupied by several activists since 2.30PM this afternoon, whose aim is to dismantle the factory known for manufacturing drone components for Elbit Systems.
- Meanwhile, protesters from the local community have descended upon UAV Engines, in Shenstone, to draw attention to UAV’s role in fabricating weapons of war.
With police stationed outside intending to protect the site from protesters, activists have stormed, occupied and are currently dismantling Elite KL’s property, as part of their demand for an end to British complicity in Israeli apartheid. As war and oppression continue across the globe, we continue our stance against Britain’s role in war, violence & militarism.
Today’s action marks the fourth time Palestine Action have occupied Elite KL’s site, since February 2021. Despite significantly heightened security, as a result of our campaigns against Elite, activists evaded police cars and security, climbing onto the roof of the premesis and have smashed windows, removed roof panels, sprayed our signature red paint and attempted to cause damage to the machinery inside the building. As with all our occupations, the aim is to disrupt the flow of weapons to Israel.
Elite KL and its sister company Elbit-Kinetics produce components that are essential for Elbits supply chain to Israel’s occupation, such as military vests and systems required for the functioning of Israeli made Merkava 4 battle tanks, marketed as maintaining “combat experience” against Palestinians in Gaza.
In Shenstone, UAV Systems Ltd – who recently sent a pitiful letter filled with lies which can be disproved with a simple google of their operations to Shenstone locals. Deceitfully undermining their role in the Israeli weapons trade – are being targeted by civilian protesters who want the business out of their community. This comes after a relentless direct action campaign in Oldham forced Elbit Ferranti to shut down for good, as locals and other solidarity groups persisted in plaguing the business.
As an Elbit subsidiary, UAV Engines has been in Palestine Action’s scope since the direct action initiative launced in July 2020. During 2021, activists shut the site five times in five months. UAV Engines manufacture engines and parts for Elbit’s drones, including the Hermes, which Elbit describes as the ‘backbone’ of Israel’s drone fleet.
Today’s actions are the latest in our mission to #ShutElbitDown, with activists throughout the country putting their liberties on the line in solidarity with the Palestinian people. This sustained action is disrupting the manufacturing of munitions and machinery used to repress, murder, and surveil civilians in Palestine, ensuring that this mass suffering is not facilitated with British-made weapons. Palestine Action have cost incalculable millions to the profiteers of war crimes. Direct action will continue until Elbit is permanently shut down.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
If you would like any further information on Palestine action, please contact info@palestineaction.org
Palestine Action is a direct-action network of groups and individuals formed with the mandate of taking direct action against Elbit Systems’ UK locations at grassroots level, calling for them all to be shut down and for the British government to end its complicity in Israeli apartheid.
ELBIT SYTEMS
Company profile on Elbit Systems, including quote by Israeli military general: https://whoprofits.org/company/elbit-systems/
Role of Elbit drone in killing of four children paying on Gaza beach in 2014: https://theintercept.com/2018/08/11/israel-palestine-drone-strike-operation-protective-edge/
More on the death and destruction inflicted by Elbit’s drones upon Gaza: https://corporatewatch.org/elbit-systems-company-profile-2/
Elbit surveillance technology for Israel’s apartheid wall: https://www.facing-finance.org/en/database/cases/elbit-systems-surveillance-system-torch-for-the-separation-barrier-in-israelpalestine/
UK Ministry of Defence signs £102 million contract with Elbit Systems UK for “sensor-to-shoot” system: https://www.army-technology.com/news/uk-mod-orders-elbit-detect-and-destroy-system/
ELITE KL
UAV ENGINES