Update: Pro-Palestinian protest outside Thales, Crawley

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About 80 people took part in a pro-Palestinian protest outside a Crawley defence company.

The demonstration by Sussex Stop Arming Israel (SSAI) took place outside the Thales building in Manor Royal today (April 8).

SSAI said the firm helped develop a drone which was used over Gaza.

A spokesman said protestors were not able to ‘make contact’ with Thales workers as they left the building after Thales closed the gate near the demonstration.

He said thousands of leaflets about the demonstration were handed out to drivers waiting at traffic light junctions in London Road.

He added there was a ‘blockade’ by Inminds at the site last night which showed support for the campaign.

SSAI is part of a wider global Stop Arming Israel movement which calls on the UK to end its arms trade with Israel.

Ben Steele, one of the SSAI activists, said in a statement: “We have been really heartened by the huge response we’ve had to our Call-out for the 8th of April. Over 30 groups campaigning for justice and human rights have endorsed the protest, and have pledged to join us on the day.”

Thales has been approached for comment, but has yet to respond.

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