Dear Scottish Government,
We are writing as Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee.
It has come to our attention that two senior representatives from Scottish Enterprise plan to participate in a major arms and ‘defence’ conference (20 May, Marriott Hotel, Glasgow), which will include participant speakers from Leonardo and Thales arms companies.
On 3 September 2025, First Minister John Swinney made a categorical pledge in parliament that no further Scottish Government funds would be allocated to any companies in Scotland sending weaponry to Israel.
We have yet to see this policy fully implemented, and to receive documented proof of such from Scottish Enterprise.
However, given that this is the Scottish Government’s formal position, Scottish Enterprise attendance at this event makes any kind of interaction with these companies a clear violation of the policy.
Any engagement with Leonardo and Thales would be an abrogation of the Scottish Government’s obligations – as instructed by the International Court of Justice – not to enable Israel’s genocide.
As the genocide in Gaza and the mass bombing of Lebanon continues, we want a clear explanation as to why Scottish Enterprise are attending this event, and an assurance that their participation will be immediately cancelled.
We look forward to your prompt response.
Regards,
For GGEC
Arms Companies Team