On the morning of 28 January 2026, pro-Palestine campaigners gathered at the entrance to the Leonardo UK factory in Crewe Toll.
Leonardo produces laser technology supplied to Lockheed Martin for the American F-35 fighter jets, which the UK sells to Israeli forces.
As one of the largest aerospace and defence firms in the UK, the company employs around 8,500 people.
Around 100 protesters were present. They attempted to block the entrance to the site in order to demand an end to the supply deal between Leonardo UK and Lockheed Martin.
Carrying banners adorned with slogans such as “Stop Arming Genocide,” the protesters stated that they were taking action against Leonardo UK’s complicity in the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
One protester, who is choosing to remain anonymous, said: “There are definitely UK firms with more direct complicity … but Leonardo is a massive cog in the whole system.”
He continued: “To have them operating locally in Edinburgh is more disturbing. I felt obligated to be involved … In Scotland, I feel the tide is turning.”
The police arrived at the protest shortly after it commenced, and remained there for its duration.
As factory employed arrived, the officers attempted to maintain a pathway through which they could pass.
Although the protest remained peaceful throughout, the police were reported to have used physical force to control the crowd.
The protester told The Student: “They were … quite violent with their pushing and shoving, and knocked a couple of legal observers to the ground … They were needlessly aggressive towards pretty much everyone involved, including some elderly people.”
In response, Leonardo UK issued a statement: “Leonardo UK is subject to UK Government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel.”
Image from “The Canary Media LTD” licensed to The Student.