Protestors disrupt Aviva AGM

Protestors from the Boycott Bloody Insurance activist group have disrupted insurer Aviva’s latest annual general meeting, held today (6 May 2026) in York.

An eight-minute video released by the group shows campaigners attempting to block access to boardrooms within the firm’s offices, before at least three protestors were carried off premises by security.

The group’s website states that it aims to disrupt insurance companies that invest in and underwrite Israeli military activity in Palestine, fossil fuel production, weapons trade and the border detention industry.

Andrew Taylor, a campaigner at Boycott Bloody Insurance, said that “research into the UK insurance market shows that Aviva insures more migrant detention and surveillance contractors than any other company, underwrites oil majors such as Saudi Aramco and invests billions in fossil fuel and weapons companies”.

Fellow campaigner Beth Jones, from York, also levelled criticism at the insurer for its recent involvement with Israel-based weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems.

Aviva – alongside insurer Allianz – reportedly ended its insurance coverage of Elbit at the end of 2025 following protest action, though Boycott Bloody Insurance claims the firm retains investment ties with the arms manufacturer.

Ethical accreditations

Campaigners also suggested that Aviva maintains business dealings with companies involved in border detention activities including Serco, G4S and Mears, as well as companies involved in fossil fuel production including Shell and BP.

The recent protest mirrors events seen in 2025, when the now-proscribed activist group Palestine Action covered Aviva’s offices in Perth, Motherwell and Bristol with red paint.

Taylor concluded: “Private companies are raking in millions while subjecting people fleeing war and persecution to cruel and dangerous conditions.

“We are calling on Aviva to be stripped of its ethical accreditations and for organisations across the UK to boycott their products and services until that changes.”

Aviva declined to comment when approached by Insurance Times.