Protestors block entrance to BAE Systems

Pro Palestine peace activists staged a sit in at the entrance to BAE systems yesterday morning.

Police said there were delays on the A59 and A677 in both directions due to a protest at BAE systems on Myerscough Road, Blackburn. Drivers are being asked to find alternative routes.

The blockade was at the four main gates of BAE Systems Salmesbury Aerodrome Arms Factory.

Members of Palestine Action which is aiming to highlight the ongoing bombing of Gaza said: “This factory make the rear fuselage of every F-35 fighter, used heavily in Israel’s genocidal bombing of Gaza that has murdered over 15000 children in 207 days.”

There were similar demonstrations Wednesday morning outside the BAE site in the Southside of Glasgow. This plant is producing Type 26 Frigate ships for the Royal Navy, which will be fitted with armour developed by Israel after construction.

The protest had brought traffic to a standstill for some time in Govan, but it is now said to be slowly moving again. 

Traffic going towards the QEU Hospital using Govan Road and the Southbound Clyde Tunnel should expect delays and several bus services are also being diverted due to the action. 

Pictures from the action show protestors blockading the Govan manufactures, with signs saying “stop arming genocide” and “This Factory Arms”.  

Some pictures also show members of staff waiting across the road as protesters blockade the entrance. 

The latest protest comes on the back of a number of demonstrations at the site over the past seven months since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza, following the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Since then more than 100,000 people have been killed or injured in Gaza.