Pro-Palestine groups across the UK are preparing a coordinated wave of protests outside arms manufacturing sites, aiming to increase pressure on the government over its role in supplying military equipment linked to Israel.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has announced demonstrations in five cities on Wednesday, including two locations in London, as part of a broader push to challenge UK arms exports and defence cooperation.
Campaigners say the protests will target factories involved in producing “weapons, components and military technology used by Israel”, including equipment linked to missiles, drones and fighter jets.
In Hayes, west London, protesters are expected to gather outside facilities operated by Attewell, which manufactures components used in Israel’s F-35 fighter jets, as well as CPI TMD Technologies, a firm reported to have held multiple licences to export military goods to Israel.
Further demonstrations are planned in Bristol, Newcastle, Shenstone and Towcester, with sites linked to companies such as Elbit Systems UK, Pearson Engineering, UAV Engines and BAE Systems expected to be targeted.
The PSC, one of the UK’s largest pro-Palestine organisations, said the protests are intended to challenge what it describes as Britain’s “active participation” in Israel’s military operations.
The planned actions form part of a wider wave of pro-Palestine mobilisation seen across the UK since the start of the Gaza conflict in October 2023.
Activists and anti-war groups have regularly organised marches and direct actions, including attempts to block access to arms factories and military sites, calling for a full arms embargo.
The issue has become increasingly politically sensitive for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, with growing domestic criticism over the UK’s arms export policies and its response to pro-Palestine activism.
Groups such as Palestine Action have faced heightened legal scrutiny in recent months, including being proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in July 2025.
Last year, Elbit Systems UK closed its Bristol site following repeated protests and direct action by activists targeting the facility.
Meanwhile, some organisers have faced legal consequences. PSC director Ben Jamal has been charged in connection with a demonstration in London in January last year, including allegations of failing to comply with public assembly conditions.
Campaigners argue that British-made components are being used in Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which they say have caused significant civilian casualties.
The upcoming protests are expected to renew debate over the UK’s defence industry, foreign policy and the balance between protest rights and national security.