Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds found himself abruptly interrupted on Thursday by two passionate pro-Palestinian protesters at a think-tank event in London. As Reynolds was preparing to speak about trade, the protesters stormed the stage, demanding an end to the UK’s arms sales to Israel.
💥 “Stop Arming Israel!”
The protest was part of a larger rally organised by three campaign groups, including London for a Free Palestine, which had gathered outside Chatham House. Their aim? To push the government to halt the sale of arms to Israel, particularly parts for F-35 fighter jets.
One protester shouted: “This man and his government are complicit in genocide. The F-35s are massacring Palestinians, and they have not stopped the trade of F-35s.” The protester continued to demand action, pointing out that last Tuesday’s airstrikes killed 400 Palestinians, including 200 children.
💬 Reynolds’ Response
Reynolds, unfazed by the disruption, responded calmly. “We have suspended arms exports to Israel,” he said. However, he went on to explain that the UK has not suspended the trade of F-35 parts, as they are integral to national security, especially in defence of Ukraine. He added that the F-35’s supply chain makes it impossible to isolate them to just one country.
His response, however, didn’t stop another protester from jumping onto the stage, waving a Palestinian flag and chanting, “Stop arming Israel, free Palestine.” The interruption left the room in tension as Reynolds tried to regain control of the situation.
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