Pro-Palestinian protesters blockade defence factory in Edinburgh

Pro-Palestinian protesters have blockaded an aerospace defence company’s factory in Edinburgh.

A group called Stop Arming Israel stood outside the Leonardo facility on Crewe Road on Tuesday morning, accusing the company of “complicity in genocide and the Zionist war machine”.

Masked protesters gathered outside the factory entrance, holding up banners including one saying “Leonardo F35s: Paid in blood”.

They demanded that Leonardo UK drop its involvement with F-35 fighter jets, which are manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

Leonardo has said it is subject to the UK Government’s export controls and that it does not supply equipment directly to Israel.

The site in Edinburgh has been targeted by similar protests in recent months.

Omar, a 33-year-old teacher who was involved in the demonstration, said: “We refuse to be complicit in the mass murder, the genocide of hundreds of thousands of children, from Lebanon to Iran to Gaza.

“Components for the F-35 fighter jet used by Israel in the ongoing brutal assaults are made in this factory in Edinburgh.

“When we come together as a community, as people, we can do our bit to stop the Zionist war machine.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 5.20am on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, we were called to a report of a protest outside a business premises in the Crewe Road North area of Edinburgh.

“Officers are in attendance.”

A spokesman for Leonardo UK said: “While we respect the right to peaceful protest, the safety and well-being of our employees and the local community is our absolute priority.

“Leonardo UK is subject to UK Government export controls and all of our exports are subject to rigorous licensing processes. Leonardo UK does not supply equipment directly to Israel.”