James Cropper annual meeting protested by Palestine activists

A group of activists protested at James Cropper’s annual general meeting last week, calling on the company to end a contract that they claim is used for Israeli war planes.

Palestine solidarity activists from the Paper Not Planes activist group entered the general meeting in James Cropper’s home town of Burneside, Yorkshire, protesting contracts which it says “are being used in the genocide against the people of Palestine.”

Alongside its paper and packaging production, James Cropper manufactures a range of advanced materials and electrochemical coatings for sectors including aerospace and energy.

While the company does not manufacture or directly supply weapons, its advanced nonwoven materials are used in military aircraft including the F-35 fighter jet, which is used by the Israeli army.

A recent statement from James Cropper on its defence sector involvement states: “James Cropper does not manufacture or supply weapons, weapon systems, or aircraft parts.”

The statement continues: “Our contribution is limited to advanced nonwoven materials, which are used in a wide range of industrial and aerospace applications. These materials are not classified as “parts” and are not specific to any one aircraft variant.

“We acknowledge the concerns that have been raised in relation to defence activities and welcome constructive dialogue on these matters.  Specifically, we recognise concerns over high-profile conflict zones, and we stand with those seeking an end to this and other global conflicts, and to preventing further such conflict. However, for the avoidance of any doubt, James Cropper has no ability to influence this through the supply, or cessation of supply, of any products.”

A number of activists who hold shares in James Cropper attended the recent meeting to ask questions to the company’s board and management, while others protested outside.

Activists who are shareholders of the company were able to enter the meeting and read out questions and statements about James Cropper’s supposed involvement in the Gaza conflict.

After five questions, those chairing the meeting asked to stop questions at that time and move on to the core purpose of the meeting. 

Other activists then left their questions in writing with the chair and left the meeting, while activist David Heller began to recite a poem written by an Israeli former nuclear technician and peace activist.

When Heller refused to stop, he was reportedly carried out of the building by security personnel. Other activists remained in the meeting including 55-year-old teaching assistant Sue Houseman, who was subsequently removed by security personnel after trying to make further statements.

Campaigners remained outside the meeting throughout, holding banners and flags and giving leaflets to those entering the building.

In a statement to Print Monthly about the incident, James Cropper says: “The company respects the right to peaceful protest and welcomes constructive engagement with its shareholders and other stakeholders.

“Unfortunately, at the company’s annual general meeting at which the company addressed numerous questions by shareholders on the business for considerable time, certain individuals decided to cause significant disruption, and it became necessary for them to be removed from the meeting by security personnel.” 

The statement concludes: “This was a measure of last resort, following numerous polite requests, but became necessary to enable the meeting to proceed.”

Once the meeting was able to proceed, the company reported that it had seen improved trading figures that were slightly ahead of expectations, following its announcement of a new corporate vision.

As part of its new vision, James Cropper has brought a range of more than 50 coloured paper shades under a single brand, titled ColourSource. The range comes in nine weights and 36 embossed patterns.