Two Charged After Pro-Palestine Protest at Leonardo’s Edinburgh Facility

Two individuals have been arrested and charged following a protest at Leonardo UK’s facility in Edinburgh on August 18, 2025. Members of the pro-Palestine group, Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh, staged a demonstration aimed at disrupting the production of laser targeting systems for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets. This protest is part of ongoing actions against the company, which has faced repeated vandalism and demonstrations due to its ties to military operations in Israel.

According to a spokesperson from Police Scotland, officers were dispatched to the scene around 6:15 AM after reports of a blockade at the factory’s entrance. A 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were arrested in connection with the protest. Both individuals are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

Details of the Protest

During the demonstration, activists managed to secure one member inside a “modified van,” while another climbed onto the vehicle. Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh later claimed responsibility for the protest, stating that their actions were aimed at stopping the production of military equipment used against Palestine. They emphasized their commitment to “direct action against the war machine,” indicating that they would continue their campaign.

This protest follows a previous incident in July, when three women were charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 after driving a van into the fence of a building associated with Leonardo UK. Those individuals, identified as Susan Riddell, Allegra Fitzherbert, and Naomi Stubbs-Gorman, appeared in court privately. Notably, Riddell, a comedian, had to cancel her scheduled performance at the Edinburgh Fringe due to bail conditions preventing her from entering the city.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Actions

Leonardo UK has become a focal point for protests due to its involvement in the production of military technology linked to Israel. Activists argue that such equipment contributes to ongoing conflict and humanitarian issues in the region. Both Leonardo UK and Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh have been approached for comments regarding the recent protest and the ongoing tensions surrounding the facility.

As protests continue, the situation underscores the broader discourse on the role of defense contractors in international conflicts and the actions of activists aiming to disrupt such operations. The arrests highlight the escalating nature of protests related to geopolitical issues, particularly in light of increasing global scrutiny on military involvement in foreign conflicts.

The developments at Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh site reflect a growing trend of activism focused on corporate accountability in the defense sector.