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.
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