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Activists shut down an arms factory in Staffordshire

Members of Palestine Action and Animal Rebellion target the building as part of an escalating campaign to kick Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons firm, out of Britain

ACTIVISTS have shut down an arms factory in Staffordshire as part of an escalating campaign to kick Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest weapons firm, out of Britain. 

Members of the Palestine Action group joined forces with Animal Rebellion — the animal-rights wing of Extinction Rebellion — to storm the Elite KL factory in Tamworth this morning.

They occupied the roof while others chained themselves to the gates, with Palestine Action saying that the protesters aimed to keep the Elbit subsidary’s premises closed for as long as possible. 

The action was a response to the government’s Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill, which contains proposals to restrict protest rights. 

“The new laws that are currently being pushed through Parliament are a threat to us all,” a Animal Rebellion spokesperson said.

“We are proud to stand with other groups and show that we will not stop until we build a better world for everyone.” 

The groups say that the goods made at the Elite-KL site include components for the Israeli military’s tanks and other armoured vehicles. 

Staffordshire Police said that specialist officers were called to the Tamworth factory at 6am today and worked “to resolve the incident safely.”

Palestine Action has hit Elbit sites across Britain numerous times over the past five months, costing the firm over £1 million, according to the group. 

A member of the direct-action group was released from custody today after being arrested and denied court bail last week. 

“It's vital for everyone to know why we are here today and why we will continue to target Israel’s chain of factories until they leave the UK,” Palestine Action said.

“The more the state persecutes our activists, the harder we will fight until our demands are acknowledged.”

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