Aviva responds as Palestine Action occupies insurer’s Bristol office

Aviva has said it is “actively communicating” with its staff in Bristol after the office was targeted by Palestine Action.

Protesters began occupying the office in Brierly Furlong from 7.30am this morning (22 January 2025), with one said to be on top of the overhang.

In a statement, Palestine Action said it had “shut down Aviva” during its protest, which also saw messages spray painted on the front of the glass building.

Aviva said it would not comment on site security matters, “but we can confirm that our Bristol site is open”.

“Colleague safety is paramount and we are actively communicating with our people to ensure their wellbeing,” the insurer added.

What is the protest about?

The protest comes after Israel’s government approved a deal with Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The war began in 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October that year.

Today’s protest was against Elbit Systems, which manufactures over 85% of Israel’s drones, including quadcopters used by the country’s military to perform targeted military operations.

Palestine Action alleged that Aviva provides employers liability insurance for UAV Engines in Staffordshire, a drone engine factory owned by Elbit Systems.

”Without insurance, the Israeli arms maker would not be able to operate in Britain,” a spokesperson for the protest group said.