A GROUP of pro-Palestine activists blockaded the entrance of a south Cumbrian business’ factory over its alleged links to military aircraft used in Gaza.
The pro-Palestine activists, numbering 35, were outside James Cropper plc’s Burneside factory protesting the business’ alleged role in supplying materials used to manufacture F-35 fighter jets used by Israel in Gaza.
James Cropper plc said it ‘does not manufacture or supply weapons, weapon systems, or aircraft parts’.
It also stressed that the company complies fully with ‘all applicable UK export control laws and international regulations’, as well as the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
The protestors, who form part of the ‘Paper Not Planes’ campaign, were outside the Burneside factory shortly after 5am on the day, and remained in place, attempting their blockade, until just after 9 am.
Banners reading ‘Make Paper Not Planes’ and ‘James Cropper: We want to be proud of our local industry’ were held aloft by activists.
Those involved in the blockade hailed from Kendal, as well as many other locations across the north of England, according to organisers.
Speaking at the protest, Sam Metcalfe, a spokesperson for the ‘Make Paper Not Planes’ campaign, said: “We have blocked the entrance to the factory this morning to prevent James Cropper plc supplying materials for warplanes.
“Producing materials for military use is completely at odds with the proud history of the company making beautiful paper for artists.
“We believe they should protect jobs and the community by making paper, not warplanes.”
The pro-Palestine activists claimed that they successfully prevented the morning shift change at the factory, but a spokesperson for James Cropper plc said this is not factual.
In a statement, James Cropper plc reiterated the fact it ‘does not manufacture or supply weapons, weapon systems, or aircraft parts’.
A spokesperson said: “Our contribution is limited to advanced nonwoven materials, which are used in a wide range of industrial and aerospace applications.
“These materials are not classified as ‘parts’ and are not specific to any one aircraft variant.”
The spokesperson said the company follows UK government policy on defence contracts.
This includes James Cropper plc’s compliance with government restrictions on supplying the Israeli military, and the company ‘can confirm that no materials are being supplied’ that are ‘in violation of these or other regulations’.
The company spokesperson continued: “We acknowledge the concerns that have been raised in relation to defence activities and welcome constructive dialogue on these matters.
“Specifically, we recognise concerns over high-profile conflict zones, and we stand with those seeking an end to this and other global conflicts, and to preventing further such conflict.
“However, for the avoidance of any doubt, James Cropper has no ability to influence this through the supply, or cessation of supply, of any products.”
Share