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In Focus
Palestine Action blockades Israeli drone factory in Leicester, demanding an end to “Gaza genocide”
On Thursday, 11 April, Palestine Action crashed two cars into the bollards of UAV Tactical Systems (U-TacS) at Meridian Business Park in Braunstone Town. Activists used D-locks to attach themselves to the steering wheels of their vehicles, preventing immediate removal by police. Dozens of local people came out to reinforce the blockade, with some chanting ‘murderer’ to workers as they were forced to drive home.
According to a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, two activists were subsequently charged but later released from custody. Leicestershire Police confirmed two men aged 32 and 33 were arrested in the early hours of the morning.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said:
“The apparatus of the Israeli military has been embedded into our communities without our permission. Despite legal and moral obligations, our political lass continues to make us complicit in the Gaza genocide. So we’re left with no option but to take direct action and shut Elbit down. Day after day, we will disrupt the Israeli war machine in solidarity with the Palestinian people".
U-TacS is majority-owned by Elbit Systems, an Israeli-based military electronics company, and partially owned by French arms company Thales. The factory in Leicester is used to design, test, and manufacture drones.
Palestine Action activists claim Elbit supplies 85% of Israel’s drone fleet and land-based military equipment, marketing its weapons to the world as ‘battle-tested’ on Palestinians. However, the company has consistently denied these claims.
Elbit Systems UK did not respond to requests for comment.
In February, Kuehne+Nagel, a transportation company based at Meridian Business Park, severed its ties with Elbit after repeated protests by Palestine Action.
This article was amended on 31 May 2024. Two lines lost in an earlier edit were added back in: 'Leicestershire Police confirmed two men aged 32 and 33 were arrested in the early hours of the morning' and 'Elbit Systems UK did not respond to requests for comment'.
🌧️ Monday: A wet start with some heavy rain. This will clear to showers during the morning, but still be some heavy ones around in the afternoon. A strong wind gusting to 40mph will make it feel cool, with a max of 9C. Monday night blustery with min 5C.
🌧️ ☁️ Tuesday-Friday: Showery with blustery winds at first, but by Thursday, becoming drier and brighter as high-pressure edges in from the west. Max temps up to 12C with min down to 5C.
☀️ Weekend: Generally dry with bright spells and pleasant as winds turn westerly. Turning milder with temperatures up to 15C by Saturday. Much lighter winds, withmax gusts of 20mph.
More than 80% of police officers experiencing poor mental health: Leicestershire Police Federation has revealed that some 64% of local police officers would not recommend joining the police amid high levels of stress, low mood, anxiety and other mental health concerns. A further 15% said they are thinking of leaving - LDRS
Leicester’s Eid celebrations at Victoria Park: Thousands of people attended Victoria Park for an annual gathering to celebrate Eid ul-Fitr, a sacred month for those of the Islamic faith. It began with prayers at 9am, followed by a festival with inflatable attractions, a collection of Halal food stalls, ice cream and a discounted funfair - Leicester Times
Data taken in council cyber-attack ‘could be sold’: An expert in IT at De Montfort University has speculated that the large batch of documents that were released by the hacker group recently may be sold to the highest bidder. Leicester City Council insists there has been no ransom demand at this stage - BBC East Midlands Today
Work on Leicester Market continues: Leicester City Council says the first phase of work, which started last month, is “on track to be completed shortly”, with most of the old structure torn down. The 1990s roof of the city’s fruit and vegetable market has been removed, and the old wooden stalls destroyed - LDRS
Leicester girl undergoes life-changing brain surgery: Sophia, seven, suffered from a rare neurological condition which caused life-threatening fits known as ‘movement storms'. Since the procedure, which is described as a ‘pacemaker of the brain’, the seven-year-old is beginning to have more of a normal life - Leicester Mercury
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Fancy learning about the history of art? Attenborough Arts Centre is hosting a sensational 10-week course taught through lectures. Over 18s only. Runs Wednesdays 10:30am-12pm. The entire course costs £85, or £60 for anyone with a disability, a student, or staff and students at the University of Leicester.
Visit Curve Theatre to watch Tara Theatre’s fantastic production, which tells the story of the 1947 Partition of India based on real-life testimonies. Matinee and evening performances are available. Tickets from £10.
Head to The Sue Townsend Theatre for a fun performance of your favourite musical theatre songs. Matinee and evening performances are available. Tickets from £12.50.
Do you like to learn about history? Visit Leicester Guildhall to hear about its connections with Shakespeare and learn more about St George’s Day. Runs from 11:30pm-3:30pm.
Enjoy open-plan living with a top-floor duplex apartment in Aylestone. This two-bedroom property needs refurbishment but has a shared garden and dedicated parking space. 107 years remaining on the lease. Ground rent and service charge to pay.
Faye and Nick are the lovely people behind thegreedygrillerz, a very new small business that makes some of the best street food you can get your hands on. You can find freshly made smash burgers, pulled pork-loaded fries (slow-cooked by Faye for 14+ hours!), and bacon-topped mac and cheese!
Men’s football: As the Championship season draws to a close the fight has never been closer at the top. After a disappointing loss to Plymouth, Leicester are holding onto 2nd position in the table. Read more
Women’s football: LCFC Women’s also suffered a hard-fought defeat this weekend at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 score. This loss signals their exit from the FA Cup. Read more
Men’s cricket: Leicestershire CCC get their season underway this week on the 19 April. The foxes play Derbyshire away at the Incora County Ground. Leicestershire look for a solid start to the season after a rough 2023. Read more
Rhys is a seasoned journalist, writer, and community organiser. As community lead, he works across fundraising, community engagement, daily operations and some editorial work too.
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