Students in several UK universities, including Leeds, Newcastle, and Bristol, have staged protests against the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Demonstrators are demanding that their universities divest from Israeli companies, alleging the institutions’ complicity in Israeli military actions. The movement has parallels with recent protests at US universities, with entities such as Apartheid Off Campus Newcastle participating actively in the protests. The involvement of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign emphasizes support for the protests, focusing on ending investments in Israel.

In addition to university demonstrations, there have been protests at various UK locations targeting companies such as BAE Systems, which are involved in the supply of military arms to Israel. Organized by Workers for a Free Palestine and supported by workers and trade unionists, these demonstrations have occurred in places like Glasgow, South Wales, London, and Lancashire. Protesters, pressing for an arms embargo against Israel, have criticized the UK government and the Labour Party for their lack of response to calls for banning arms sales to Israel. These protests highlight the UK’s role in the conflict and advocate for a reevaluation of British involvement in arms trade with conflict zones.