Defence firm fenced off during 200-person protest

Hundreds of people gathered in Cheltenham on Wednesday

The head office of a defence firm was fenced off after 200 pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside.

Ultra Precision Control Systems (Ultra PCS) in Cheltenham, which produces components for the F-35 fighter jet, had private security guarding its entrances.

Palestine Solidarity campaigners from across the West gathered at the office in Arle Court to oppose UK arms sales to Israel and call for a total two-way arms embargo.

A spokesperson from Ultra PCS said the company provided engineering solutions to safety and mission-critical challenges in military aircraft and vehicles, and it complies with defence export controls.

Protesters are calling on the government to impose a full arms embargo on Israel

Much of the attention around the UK's support for Israel has focussed on parts made in Britain for the F-35 jet. A state-of-the-art multi-role fighter, it has been used extensively by Israel to strike Gaza.

The spokesperson added: "The ongoing situation in Israel and Gaza is deeply saddening and we hope a resolution can be found as soon as possible.

"Ultra PCS is fully committed to complying with international and domestic law, including defence export controls.

"We remain in conversation with our partners across government and we are supportive of its guidance regarding international trade," they said.

A Government spokesperson added: "As set out to Parliament last year, we have suspended licences for items to the IDF that might be used in military operations in Gaza, based on our assessment that these could be used to commit or facilitate serious violations of International Humanitarian Law.

"It is not currently possible to suspend licensing of F-35 components for use by Israel without prejudicing the entire global F-35 programme, which would have serious implications for international peace and security due to its crucial strategic role in the defence of Nato and other UK allies.

"The High Court has upheld this Government's thorough and lawful decision making on this matter," they added.

Naomi Seadon, a campaigner at the protest, called for a change in the law

Naomi Seadon, a member of Cheltenham Palestine Support Group, agreed Ultra PCS is working within the law and said: "Really, our message is that the law should be changed.

"We think, morally, its indefensible that they're doing that, but we recognise this is a government loophole that's been specifically carved out.

"[The government] needs to implement a full arms embargo against Israel and that has to mean no loopholes."