MARK KERRISON | Photojournalist

London, UK. 1st May, 2024. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists from Workers for a Free Palestine blockade all entrances of the Department for Business and Trade for several hours on May Day in response to a call from the Palestinian Federation of Trade Unions for a day of action to "disrupt the flow of commerce and trade that sustains Israel’s military occupation" as a display of solidarity with Palestinian workers and in protest against the UK government's refusal to suspend the sale of arms to Israel. The Department for Business and Trade in particular was targeted due to its role in granting export licences for the sale of UK arms to Israel. Other blockades took place simultaneously at three arms factories around the UK, namely BAE Govan in Scotland, BAE Glascoed in Wales and BAE Systems in Samlesbury, Lancashire. The Metropolitan Police initially tried, but failed, to prevent the blockading of a final rear exit to the Department for Business and Trade on Horseguards Parade, making three arrests.