Anti-war messages sprayed onto walls of Clyde shipyard overnight

Climate activists left messages on the walls of BAE Systems

Author: Rob WallerPublished 4th Dec 2023

Activists have spray painted anti-war and pro-Palestinian slogans on the walls of the Govan shipyard overnight.

The Exctinction Rebellion group, which first came to public attention with disruptive protests about about climate change, says it targeted BAE Systems because another part of the business has supplied weapons for the Israeli Defense Force, which is conducting air and ground operations against Hamas in Gaza following the October 7th attack.

The slogans “Free Palestine, “Stop Arming Israel” and “Climate Chaos = More Wars” were painted onto the wall of the yard along the Govan Road.

The group accuses the multi-national defence firm of being, claiming its total emissions are more than the emissions from 60 individual countries, such as Uganda, which has a population of 45 million people

Enviromental impact of war

A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion Glasgow said: “As well as the immediate horrors of Israel’s military operation, climate chaos will increase the conflict, as people fight over resources, arms companies and their shareholders benefit.

“During all warfare, the natural environment is directly attacked or damaged. Attacks can lead to water, soil and land contamination, or release pollutants into the air.

"Explosive remnants of war contaminate soil and water sources, and harm wildlife.

“Our governments have allowed spending on arms to outstrip spending on climate solutions. They’ve created a brutal world where many face conflict over ravaged resources. Their gross negligence is allowing climate chaos to create more war.”

BAE Systems has been approached for comment.

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