Palestine Action climb and occupy Aviva’s Manchester office

Palestine Action have scaled Aviva’s Manchester office in its latest round of insurance-related protests.

Protesters began occupying the entrance of the office in the The Observatory, Chapel Walks, from 7am this morning (11 March 2025).

Some also climbed on top of the revolving doors, stuck Palestinian flags on the wall and let off red flares.

Palestine Action said it was carrying out the protest as Aviva “provides the mandatory employers liability insurance for UAV Engines in Staffordshire, a drone engine factory owned by Elbit Systems”.

It comes after protesters scaled the canopy above the entrance to Allianz’s office in Gracechurch Street yesterday (10 March 2025).

Red paint was also splattered across the building, while Palestinian flags were hung as well.

Palestine Action said it was “demanding Allianz stop insuring Elbit Systems”.

Following the protest at Aviva’s Manchester office, a spokesperson for Palestine Action said: “Both Allianz and Aviva directly enable the production of Israeli weapons in Britain by providing Israeli weapons factories with the insurance they need to operate.

“Therefore, Palestine Action will continue to take direct action until they cease all ties with Elbit Systems.”

Allianz comment

Both Allianz and Aviva have been targeted multiple times this year by Palestine Action.

Aviva has been contacted for comment over today’s protest. Meanwhile, after the protest yesterday, Allianz said it would be taking independent legal action.

Allianz said that while it respected everyone’s right to have and express their opinion, it “will not give in to threats and criminal behaviour that endanger the safety or security of our people, business and property”.

“Our business operations and service to customers and partners have not been affected,” a spokesperson from the insurer said.

“We are working closely with the police and we will also be taking independent legal action to address these threats.”