Gaza protest evictions 'last resort', says firm

The group posted pictures of their protest on Facebook

A paper and materials company has said it was a "measure of last resort" to throw Gaza protesters out of a meeting.

On Wednesday last week two protesters were removed from the annual general meeting (AGM) of Cumbria-based James Cropper in Burneside, near Kendal.

The firm said it respected the right to peaceful protest but that some individuals had caused "significant disruption" to the meeting.

David Heller, who was part of the group protesting, said materials produced by the firm played a "vital role" in the F-35 jets used by Israel to strike Gaza.

James Cropper is best known for producing the paper used for remembrance poppies but it also has a defence arm.

This division produces material coatings which can reduce electronic interference.

Mr Heller said one of the firm's contracts is with the makers of the F-35 fighter jet which is sold to the Israeli government, among other customers.

The UK supplies between 13-15% of the components used in the jet. The government has previously said it cannot prevent Israel obtaining these components as they are sent to manufacturing centres abroad as part of a global programme – not directly to Israel.

'Following polite requests'

Mr Heller said 18 protesters attended the firm's AGM and the group asked a range of questions about the company's F-35 contracts before two of its members were thrown out.

A James Cropper spokesperson said: "This was a measure of last resort, following numerous polite requests, but became necessary to enable the meeting to proceed."

Mr Heller said coatings produced by James Cropper allowed the F-35 to operate.

"This isn't just some abstract question - this is really about people's lives in Gaza but also people's livelihoods in Burneside," he said.

"We want the people of Burneside, for people in Cumbria, to have jobs at a company they can be proud to work at and not have to compromise on their ethics or morals in order to earn a living."

James Cropper's chief executive officer David Stirling said the firm did not supply weapons or weapon systems.

"Our contribution is limited to advanced nonwoven materials, which are used in a wide range of industrial and aerospace applications," he said.

He added that the firm acknowledged concerns which had been raised about its defence contracts and that it welcomed "constructive dialogue".

But he said "for the avoidance of any doubt" James Cropper had "no ability" to influence the end of global conflicts "through the supply, or cessation of supply, of any products".