Activists from the group 'People Against Genocide' occupied a Martin-Baker factory in the UK on Monday, protesting the company's supply of aircraft components to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The occupation highlights growing pressure on British firms with ties to the Israeli defense sector.
Around dawn on Monday, protesters from the group 'People Against Genocide' entered the Martin-Baker factory in Denham, Buckinghamshire, and barricaded themselves inside. The facility produces ejection seats and other critical components for military aircraft, including those used by the Israeli Air Force. The activists accuse Martin-Baker of complicity in what they term 'genocide' in Gaza.
Martin-Baker, a family-owned aerospace firm, confirmed the occupation in a brief statement, saying it had suspended operations at the site and was cooperating with Thames Valley Police. 'We take our legal and ethical obligations seriously and are reviewing the situation,' a spokesperson said. The company has long supplied parts to multiple nations, including Israel, under existing contracts.
The protest comes amid a broader campaign by pro-Palestinian groups targeting UK companies linked to the Israeli military. Similar actions have occurred at BAE Systems and Elbit Systems facilities in recent months. The activists are demanding an immediate halt to all component exports to Israel, citing civilian casualties in Gaza.
Police have cordoned off the area but have not moved to end the occupation, which remains peaceful. The group has vowed to remain until Martin-Baker agrees to a public commitment to cease supply to Israel. The UK government has not commented directly but has previously stressed the importance of upholding arms export licenses while respecting the right to lawful protest.
The occupation has drawn mixed reactions. Some MPs have called for dialogue, while others condemned the disruption as unlawful. The local community has expressed concern over the factory's closure and potential job impacts.
As the standoff continues, the incident underscores the intensifying debate over UK corporate involvement in the Israel-Gaza conflict and the lengths activists are willing to go to press their cause.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The occupation could disrupt production of critical safety components used in multiple air forces, not just Israel's, potentially affecting broader military supply chains.
- It signals an escalation in direct-action tactics by pro-Palestine activists in the UK, targeting corporate complicity rather than just protests.
- The outcome may set a precedent for how the UK government balances arms export commitments against domestic civil unrest.
Background
Since the start of the Israel-Gaza war in October 2023, pro-Palestinian activism in the UK has intensified. Groups have moved from large marches to targeted actions against companies perceived as enabling the conflict. Martin-Baker has been a niche but persistent target due to its ejection seats being installed in Israeli F-35s and other fighter jets. Previous actions included shareholder motions and small protests on-site. The 'People Against Genocide' group emerged in early 2025 as a coalition of climate and human rights activists adopting nonviolent civil disobedience. The current occupation is the most sustained action against a defense supplier yet.
Key Perspectives
Activists (People Against Genocide): They argue that by supplying parts to Israel, Martin-Baker is directly facilitating what they call 'genocide' in Gaza. They insist nonviolent occupation is the only way to force a change, as legal challenges and petitions have failed. They demand an immediate and permanent end to component supply.
Martin-Baker: The company emphasizes its long-standing policy of supplying components under government-to-government contracts and its commitment to international law. It has avoided direct comment on Israel but stressed it operates within UK arms export regulations, which include export licenses that are government-granted. The company is concerned about employee safety and factory damage.
UK Government: The government has not publicly condemned the action but maintains that arms exports to Israel are subject to a robust licensing regime, which has been tightened. A Home Office official said police have operational independence in handling the situation. The government is caught between supporting defense industry jobs and managing domestic political pressure to do more about Gaza.
Critics/Skeptics: Some analysts note that Martin-Baker components are not uniquely tied to Israel; halting supply could endanger other militaries and jobs. Others argue the occupation is counterproductive, hardening company resolve and alienating moderate public opinion. Legal experts warn such actions could lead to injunctions and criminal charges.
What to Watch
- How police respond: Will they negotiate or force entry?
- Any statement from Martin-Baker offering a partial or full ban on Israeli supply.
- Whether the UK government amends arms export licenses in response to the occupation or in parallel legal moves from other groups.