PALESTINE activists known as the “Elbit Eight” were expected to appear in court today on charges which could involve sentences of up to 14 years in prison.

The eight members of Palestine Action, including the movement’s co-founders Huda Ammori, who is Palestinian, and Richard Barnard, are variously charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, conspiracy to destroy or damage property, assault by beating and conspiracy to blackmail.

Although they are being prosecuted collectively, not all the defendants face the same charges.

The activists have been involved in occupations of factories operated in Britain by Israeli-owned Elbit Systems, which supplies drones and pilotless aircraft to Israel.

They had said they would continue the action until the firms ended their ties with Israel.

Palestine Action was founded by Ms Ammori and Mr Barnard in June 2020, since when autonomous groups have sprung up across Britain targeting firms involved in producing weapons for Israel.

The trial at London’s Snaresbrook Crown Court is expected to last at least five weeks.