Pro-Palestine activists in Brighton and Hove have successfully celebrated the closure of an arms factory accused of contributing to Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza. The Brighton and Hove City councillors unanimously rejected the application submitted by L3 Harris for a permanent license for its factory extension, citing risks to “community cohesion”. The activists, part of the “Stop L3 Harris” campaign, have been protesting against the facility for months, highlighting the complicity of arms firms in enabling Israel’s war machine.
Activists have organized campaigns, factory blockades, and protests to raise awareness about the arms company’s involvement in producing parts for F-35 fighter jets, which are exported to the Israeli military. The closure of the factory is seen as a historic victory, sending a strong message that Brighton and Hove will not be complicit in genocide. Although the council’s decision is a significant step, activists believe more action is needed to end the UK’s support for the massacre of Palestinian civilians.