Two Arrested During Pro-Palestine Protest at Leonardo’s Edinburgh Facility

Police have confirmed the arrest of two individuals following a protest at Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh facility on August 18, 2025. Members of the pro-Palestine group, Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh, staged a demonstration aimed at disrupting the production of components for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets.

At approximately 06:15, law enforcement responded to reports of the protest outside the factory located in the Crewe Road North area. The protest included activists who blockaded the entrance to prevent access to the site. One protester reportedly secured themselves inside a modified van while another climbed atop the vehicle.

Details of the Arrests

According to a spokesperson for Police Scotland, a 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man have been charged in connection with the protest. Both individuals are set to appear at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date. The spokesperson noted, “We were called to a report of a protest outside a business premises in the Crewe Road North area of Edinburgh.”

Shut Down Leonardo took responsibility for the demonstration, asserting that their actions were aimed at halting the production of military equipment. They stated, “Direct action against the war machine is within our power, and will continue.”

The protest at Leonardo UK follows a series of similar actions targeting the company due to its ties with Israel. Activists have expressed their discontent with Leonardo’s role in producing military technology used in conflicts involving Palestinian territories.

Prior Incidents and Ongoing Tensions

This recent protest is not an isolated incident. In July, three women were charged under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a vehicle was driven into the external fence of what is believed to be another Leonardo UK site. The individuals involved—Susan Riddell, 42, Allegra Fitzherbert, 34, and Naomi Stubbs-Gorman, 31—made an appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in private. Riddell, a comedian, had to cancel her scheduled performance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival due to bail conditions that prohibited her from entering the city.

Leonardo UK has faced increasing scrutiny and vandalism from pro-Palestine activists, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding its operations. Both Leonardo UK and Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh have been approached for comments regarding the protest and the arrests.

As activism continues to play a significant role in societal discussions about military involvement and human rights, incidents like this one underscore the passionate responses from various groups. The outcomes of the court proceedings are anticipated to draw further attention to the intersection of activism and corporate responsibility.