A demonstration against the shipment of UK-made arms to Israel ended in police intervention and an arrest outside Southampton Civic Centre on Wednesday evening.
The protest, organised under the banner “SHUT DOWN LEONARDO UK – STOP ARMING ISRAEL,” drew dozens to the green outside the civic centre, where participants held a vigil on 10 September 2025. The group called for an end to UK defence company Leonardo’s involvement in producing components for weapons used by Israel, specifically referencing the company’s Southampton and Edinburgh sites. Protesters accused the firm of complicity in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, describing the manufacturing as “genocidal production” that “must end.”
Leonardo UK, which has a site in Millbrook, has previously advertised roles involving work with its Edinburgh factory, a confirmed producer of parts for F-35 fighter jets reportedly supplied to Israel.
The demonstration also drew a counter-protest from a group of pro-UK supporters who believe disruption to local workers and local businesses should not be tolerated for an issue thousands of miles away.
Tensions between the two sides escalated throughout the evening. Witnesses said a man stood amongst the anti-arms protest attempted to provoke pro-UK supporters several times before lunging at one of them as the event drew to a close. Hampshire Police quickly intervened, arresting the man and escorting him from the scene to be taken away in a Police van.
It’s uncertain if protests will continue with the announcement of President Donald Trumps peace agreement for Gaza and Palestine.
