BAe Systems are the largest 'defence' company in Europe, supplying aeroplanes and military equipment to countries all over the world, including the US and Israel. Today the BAe factory at Brough was targeted by a few local campaigners, a Rhythms of Resistance samba band and activists from the Camp Against Climate Change.
On arrival at Brough train station we were greeted by at least three vans full of cops who followed us as we headed through the town to the factory. When the first group reached the factory gates the band began to play and were shortly joined by a second group who had stayed behind to support our driver who had been held up by the police.
Intrigued by glimpses of a police line further along the fence, apparently guarding something important we decided to march down the road (still playing of course) to see what was there. After getting shoved around a bit by the cops we made it to the second gate. It turned out the cops were guarding the entrance that BAe employees had been diverted to, and an old plane that was parked on the tarmac a short way from the gate.
Almost as soon as we reached the second gate the police surrounded us, corralling us in but at the same time very effectively blocking entry or exit. We stopped and played for a while, some of us had an impromptu picnic, and we handed out fliers to locals, visitors and workers - some of whom appeared very interested.
After a while we then moved on, headed back towards Brough train station still playing. At Brough train station we were then left to make our way home.
Intrigued by glimpses of a police line further along the fence, apparently guarding something important we decided to march down the road (still playing of course) to see what was there. After getting shoved around a bit by the cops we made it to the second gate. It turned out the cops were guarding the entrance that BAe employees had been diverted to, and an old plane that was parked on the tarmac a short way from the gate.
Almost as soon as we reached the second gate the police surrounded us, corralling us in but at the same time very effectively blocking entry or exit. We stopped and played for a while, some of us had an impromptu picnic, and we handed out fliers to locals, visitors and workers - some of whom appeared very interested.
After a while we then moved on, headed back towards Brough train station still playing. At Brough train station we were then left to make our way home.
Comments
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Brough BAe continued protest
02.09.2006 04:24
10th September – Brough BAe Systems Families Day
Please note - these events are NOT open to the General Public.
Auntie War
Noah Finnity
Noise Demo and Gate blockade
04.09.2006 01:38
Seems to have drawn little or no attention or reaction on any indymedia sites except Leeds Bradford.
However, if noise was made and leaflets were given out to some staff and passers - by/residents then, perhaps, just maybe, some of the people working at the factory/site will put their conscience before their pockets and maybe speak to the unions or the management about the possibility of arms conversion and/or socially BENEFICIAL production.
It would interest me to read/hear what was said on the leaflets given out.
When SAC have been (silently) protesting at the Brough BAe gates over the last 18months or so, the leaflets and placards have called for a Re-tool to Peace and for arms conversion/diversification.
(Presumably) workers from BAe Brough have appeared on Indymedia comment sites in the past saying or claiming that it WAS NOT their responsibility to ask or to tell the unions/management to make something else instead.
However, the current Status Quo, as with EDO it seems, Faslane, Coulport, Aldermaston and so on, at Brough BAe is that EVERY SINGLE worker there can have NO illusions or pretensions of ignorance any more that the only planes/items they are making are purely military(industrial complex) and nothing else.
Therefore it is, perhaps, up to each and every one of the 3,000 or so working there to consider putting their conscience and innocent peoples lives before their own pockets and swanky/fancy cars and to consider converting to NON-Kilitary production or to move to work to a site/company that does not seek to create weapons and warfare.
I understand that after this British government military contract ends in 2006/2007, IF it is completed, then the future of the (obviously expendable) workers and link -workers there will be under serious threat, i.e. BAe will lay you off or retire you - immediately it's work load or it's profits become threatened in any way.
I have suspicion that, as with the State at EDO Brighton and Faslane/Coulport/Aldermaston, etc, the protests and demos will continue and WILL GROW - Louder and stronger.
NO Miltary Industrial Complex
Notinmyname
Noah War