Firefighters' anger over police request to crack down on pro-Palestinian protesters
Firefighters have been urged to reject requests by police to assist them in removing pro-Palestinian protesters after rescue services provided a crane to arrest people on a military drone factory roof.
The statement, by the Fire Brigades Union, was made in response to the protest on Tuesday at the UAV Tactical Systems site in Leicester. The protest began at 5.30am on Thursday after a van collided with the gates of the premises.
A number of protesters then climbed onto the van and then the roof of the building, prompting police to request from the fire and rescue services the use of a lift on the back of a fire engine to help remove them. Firefighters and a fire engine were seen at the scene helping remove the protesters.
Police said six people were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.
Officers made also a similar request in 2021 to a similar protest at the same site. The FBU said during this protest firefighters did attend, but refused to provide assistance.
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In a statement on Wednesday, the FBU said it was clear that the role of firefighters is a humanitarian one and should not be involved in law enforcement activities.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said there was no justification for such a request and it was recommending its members to reject it. He said: "Firefighters should refuse to participate in law enforcement activities alongside the police. We support the rights of the protesters and the call for peace and justice for Gaza."
Kasey LeGall, an FBU representative in Leicestershire, said: "The Fire Brigades Union has a long and proud history of standing in solidarity with the people of Palestine. This solidarity extends to all those currently protesting for a ceasefire and an end to the supplying of arms to Israel."
UAV Tactical Systems supplies drones to the British and Israeli militaries. It is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, a military technology and defence contractor based in Israel.
Elbit Systems UK, which owns UAV Tactical Systems, has previously denied sending weapons to Israel: "To be absolutely clear, U-TacS does not supply the Israeli military or Israeli Ministry of Defence. Any claims to the contrary are completely false."
