Anti-war protesters return to engine factory in Shenstone
Around 100 anti-war protesters held a demonstration at a military engine factory in Staffordshire they claim is supplying weapons to Israel.
Palestine Solidarity campaigners waved banners and listened to speeches outside UAV Engines in Shenstone on Friday.
It was the second time the coalition group gathered at the gates of the Israeli-owned British company, in Lynn Lane, over claims it is one of the world's leading manufacturers of engines for drones – unmanned aerial vehicles that are used by the military across the world.
The company, known as UEL, is owned by the Israel drone specialists Silver Arrow, a subsidiary of the Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems.
The peaceful meeting attracted support from passing motorists who beeped their horns.
Guest speak was Musheir Al-Farra, of Gaza, who explained about the impact of the military drones such as the type developed at the premises near Lichfield.
Demonstrators who represent 25 UK-based campaign groups travelled to the scene from all over the country to take part in the two-hour meeting.
They claim the equipment made at the factory is being used in the Gaza conflict and are demanding a military embargo on sales to Israel and the closure of the factory.
Tom Anderson, of the solidarity group, said: "The names of some of the 2,150 Palestinians who were killed in Israeli bomb attacks in the summer were read out.
"A letter written by the nine people who occupied the UAV factory back in August was also read out. They just wanted to explain to the people of Shenstone why they did it. The factory was closed when we got there. The demonstration is part of a concerted campaign to against the purchase of weapons by Israel."
In August London Palestine Action group protestors stormed the building and protested on the roof for two days. In total nine demonstrators were charged with aggravated trespass as a result.
Watch as protesters are removed from the roof of the factory after the protests in August.
