Government documents reveal an alleged attempt by Home Office ministers to influence police and prosecutors against activists protesting at UK facilities owned by Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, campaigners have claimed.
The internal documents, obtained by the group Palestine Action through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests, detail meetings and communications aimed at “reassuring” Elbit Systems in the face of a direct action campaign targeting the company.
The campaign, which predates the October 7 Hamas attacks and the subsequent conflict in Gaza, has led to numerous prosecutions of activists. These individuals, many of whom claim to be defending Palestinian lives and opposing war crimes, have faced a variety of charges, including burglary and criminal damage.
However, the legal outcomes have been mixed, with some convictions and several acquittals despite defendants admitting to their actions.
The documents show that Home Office ministers, along with a representative from the Attorney General’s Office, attended meetings with Elbit Systems. These briefings highlight the involvement of senior government officials in the matter.
One note, dated March 2, 2022, describes a meeting between then-Home Secretary Priti Patel and Elbit Systems UK’s CEO, Martin Fausset. In this document, Home Office officials acknowledged contact with police about Palestine Action, although they maintained that law enforcement was operationally independent.
Claims of Political Interference
Campaigners argue that the government’s involvement raises concerns about undue political interference. Tim Crosland, coordinator of Defend Our Juries, claimed the disclosures serve as “smoking gun” evidence of government attempts to influence jury decisions.
“Such political interference is a national scandal that goes right to the top – the corruption of democracy and the rule of law by those with wealth and power,” Crosland said.
The issue of jury independence is particularly sensitive, with activists accusing judges of restricting defendants from fully explaining their motivations during trials. This, according to Crosland, erodes jurors’ rights to acquit defendants based on conscience and personal beliefs.
An April 19, 2022 briefing note for a meeting between Elbit Systems and Home Office Minister Chris Philp further complicates the narrative of independence.
While the note acknowledged that a director from the Attorney General’s Office would attend on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), it simultaneously emphasized the CPS’s decision to not actively participate to “preserve their operational independence.”
This contradiction has fueled accusations of collusion between government, law enforcement, and the judiciary. A spokesperson for Palestine Action stated that the government’s assurances of independence were undermined by the actions described in the very same documents.
“What’s going on behind closed doors demonstrates clear evidence of collusion between government, a foreign private arms manufacturer, the CPS, the Attorney General’s Office, and the police,” the group claimed.
These allegations follow previous FoI-released documents suggesting Israeli embassy officials had tried to get the Attorney General’s Office involved in UK court cases relating to the prosecution of protesters.
The ongoing legal battle between Palestine Action and Elbit Systems has drawn significant attention, with activists arguing that the government is prioritizing corporate and foreign interests over the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Export Licences Suspended Amid Tensions
Adding to the controversy, the UK recently suspended 30 out of 350 arms export licenses to Israel, citing a “clear risk” of the weapons being used in violation of international humanitarian law.
While pro-Palestinian groups have welcomed this as a step in the right direction, they argue that the government’s actions do not go far enough. Conversely, supporters of Israel have condemned the suspension as unjustified, further heightening tensions.
In response to the allegations, a Home Office spokesperson defended the department, stating, “We fully respect the operational independence of the police and the independent judiciary, which remains the bedrock of our policing model. These meetings took place under the previous government.”
As of publication, Elbit Systems UK was the only entity that responded, reiterating that it remains proud to supply the British armed forces.
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