Peace campaigners in Kendal have marked the 154th consecutive week of their Gaza vigil, continuing a campaign that has seen supporters gather outside the town hall in all weather.
The latest gathering took place on Saturday, October 3. Campaigners stood outside the venue from 11am until noon and handed out leaflets urging members of the public to support Palestinians through charity donations and by buying Fairtrade products.
Calls for political action
The group called for an end to UK weapons exports and encouraged people to write to their MPs and local councillors. The campaigners also urged an end to investments made by local authority pension schemes in companies involved in what they described as illegal settlements.
The vigil began after Maria Gardner started the protests on October 14. Supporters have continued to attend every week since then, building the sequence of gatherings to 154 consecutive vigils.
Petition names local company
A petition organised by the group asks local MPs to publicly oppose the export of materials by Kendal-based company James Cropper plc. The campaigners said those materials were used to build combat aircraft, including aircraft deployed by Israel against civilians in Gaza.
The group’s latest leaflet campaign also promoted consumer action, with supporters suggesting that members of the public boycott products as part of wider efforts to put pressure on businesses and decision-makers.