The landlord of a Brighton arms factory beset by anti-Israel protests says it will not be renewing the company’s lease.
Demonstrators today blocked access to both weapons manufacturer L3 Harris and its neighbour and landlord Paxton Access in protest at the former’s work on weapons parts used in Gaza.
This is the latest in a long series of protests, but the first time Paxton Access has been targeted.
Paxton today said it became L3 Harris’s landlord when it bought Emblem House on Home Farm industrial estate in 2019.
It said as soon as it moved in, it gave L3 Harris notice to leave when the legally-binding contract ends in 2027.
The company says it has approached the protestors and hopes for “open discussion” with the groups involved.
A statement from Paxton said: “For clarity, there was a pre-existing long-term lease agreement in place with L3Harris when we purchased the property.
“This agreement is legally binding and not something we can change.
“At the time we purchased, we made it clear to L3Harris that we will not be renewing the agreement when it expires and intend to move into the building for our own needs as soon as possible.
“While Paxton owns the building that L3Harris currently operates from, there is no other link whatsoever between the two businesses.
“We are completely separate entities with separate ownership, leadership and work in entirely different industries.
“Paxton designs and manufactures electronic security systems that are installed in schools, hospitals, commercial and residential buildings in the UK and beyond.
“We have no influence over the work of L3Harris.
“We appreciate the right to peaceful protest and welcome the opportunity for an open discussion with the groups involved.
“Our sympathies are with anyone affected by the ongoing conflict. We hope this clarifies our position.”
smash EDO won! end of an era
Hardly. Paxton is a really successful and growing company. I doubt they are lying about having bought the whole site with a view to expanding into it. Stupid protestors just wasted their time and now this company will probably move to somewhere outside Brighton where they don’t need to put up with this nonsense and take their jobs with them.
Paxton have nothing to do with EDO/L3Harris, the former just make security locks for doors which is not what SmashEDO protested. nobody minds if paxton expands.
Maybe smash EDO can go have a wash and get jobs then as I think we are all a bit bored of there dribble now
So the notice the lease wouldn’t be renewed in 2027 was issued in 2019.
So not quite what the headline intimates as being a sudden decision,
More jobs to be lost in ever so cash rich Brighton. Indeed socialism spreads poverty evenly.
And the far right spreads genocide…
Yay jobs lost and moved elsewhere. Bombs still gunna kill. Brighton rent a mob will move on to the next load of BS.
No point aiming at the Arms production companies if our Government has already sold the weapons promised to the likes of Israel, Cameron and Co should be the target, him and his money grubbin buddies
If we didn’t help murder children and civilians , someone else would, isn’t really the argument you think it is.🙄
You absolute muppets you really are left wing woke idiots do you even give a shit about the hard working residents of Brighton who no doubt will now be redundant and on food banks and benefits.as the arms company will relocate elsewhere in the UK. Stop pandering to basic regional terrorism you will definitely know what trueley being trolled and I predict hundreds maby thousands of threats especially when local people find out the truly most idiotic excuse and most ridiculous reason for ending a local employers lease who cares that these are being used to kill what are terrorists. They meaning Israel didn’t start this war let’s not forget the fact the PLA and Palestinian Citizens raided illegally across the huge security perimeter wall killed and abducted Israelis and let’s no NOT FORGET these Palestinian Terrorists were running amock in Israel killing innocent Jewish people women men and young baby’s and toddler the elderly so do me a favour TERRORISTS. You people are Deluded and Psychotic if you honestly believe Israel will give an inch PALESTINE WILL NEVER EVER BE A STATE!! the quicker you start realising that baby these protests and anarchist can quickly Fuc* Off
Christopher Barron
Well said I am sick of these idiots thinking they can cause mayhem about which they know nothing only what other idiots say is getting out of hand and the police should do more to stop it
Better to be beset by protesters than be beset by bombs