Pro-Palestine Protesters Target Allianz Building in Guildford

Published on: 8 Oct, 2024
Updated on: 8 Oct, 2024

Protesters in front of the slogan-daubed Allianz building. Photo Palestine Action

By David Reading

Three protesters – said to be supporters of Palestine Action – targeted the Allianz insurance building in Guildford early today (October 8), climbing on to the glass canopy above the entrance and spraying slogans over the windows.

The Guildford Business Park office before it was occupied by Allianz. Google

Palestine Action said it had targeted ten Allianz offices across the UK, including the one at Guildford Business Park. Giving its reasons for the protest, the organisation cited the insurer’s alleged involvement with Israeli weapons firm Elbit Systems. A statement said: “Without insurance, Elbit couldn’t operate in Britain.”

It has been reported that the protestors climbed on to a glass canopy of the Guildford building and the words ‘Drop Elbit’ were sprayed over the windows.

Slogans were also daubed on the entrance door. Photo Palestine Action

Surrey police say the protesters were removed and arrested.

Other Allianz offices targeted include ones in Manchester, Glasgow, Lancaster, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes. Allianz’s London operations in Gracechurch Street and Bishopsgate have also been targeted.

The protests coincide with the first anniversary of the start of the Gaza war.

Palestine Action claims the insurer, a German company, is a major financial backer of Israel’s arms and weapons industry and described Allianz as one of Elbit Systems’ “principle institutional shareholders”.

The protest was targeting Allianz as providers of insurance cover for defence electronics company Elbit. Photo Palestine Action

A Surrey police statement says: “We were called to the premises this morning after three people, believed to be from the pro-Palestinian protest network Palestine Action, climbed onto a glass canopy above the main entrance to the building.

“A team of officers who are trained in the removal of protesters at height were in attendance.

“A man and two women were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and criminal damage and are currently in custody. Enquiries remain ongoing.”

The Insurance Times reported an Allianz spokesperson saying: “We have had disruption overnight at several of our offices. The safety and security of our colleagues is paramount and we have closed these sites today.

“Our operations and service to customers and clients are unaffected.”