The Fire Brigades Union has advised members not to be involved in law enforcement activities, following protests at a drone factory in Leicestershire this May.
Activists identified the site as linked to Elbit Systems, an arms company supplying the Israeli military with weapons, and occupied the factory with a call to end UK arms deals with Israel.
During previous demonstrations at the same factory, the police force requested support from the fire and rescue service to assist in the removal of protestors.
Local FBU rep Kasey LeGall expressed solidarity with “all those currently protesting for ceasefire and an end to the supplying of arms to Israel”, as firefighters refused to engage in policing activities.
The FBU has made it clear that the role of firefighters is a humanitarian one, and that there is “no justification” for firefighters to be asked to assist.
