After 18 months of our sustained campaign against the company's involvement in producing materials for Israel's warplanes, James Cropper plc has issued a public statement about their involvement in the defence sector.

They claim that their statement is intended to clarify their position, but the statement is actually an attempt to hide their complicity in genocide.

​

James Cropper claims: "James Cropper does not manufacture or supply weapons, weapon systems, or aircraft parts. 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."

​

The reality: James Cropper produces materials that are used in a range of military and civilian aircraft, including the F-35 warplane which is used by Israel in their genocide in Gaza. The company previously mentioned this on their website, and in their annual reports, until we started the campaign to stop them arming Israel.

​

The company might not describe the advanced materials which it provides as "parts", but it has made use of the "Open General Export License" which covers the export of "goods, software or technology" for the F-35. This information is clearly visible in information obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (see Annex B, here).

​

​

James Cropper claims: "We operate in full compliance with all applicable UK export control laws and international regulations, including the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). James Cropper supports UK government policy on defence procurement and industrial capability, including recent restrictions on export licences for those supplying the Israeli military and we can confirm that no materials are being supplied from James Cropper in violation of these or other regulations."

​

The reality: James Cropper may be complying with all UK export control laws, but that does not mean the UK laws are in line with international law. The UK government's policy of allowing arms exports to Israel has been challenged in the UK High Court. 

The International Court of Justice has reminded all States "of their international obligations relating to the transfer of arms to parties to an armed conflict, in order to avoid the risk that such arms might be used to violate international law." 

Complying with the law also does not make the supply of weapons ethical or morally justified.

​
 

James Cropper claims: "The UK remains a committed partner to existing programmes, and our continued participation helps sustain high-value manufacturing jobs in Cumbria and across the UK."

​

The reality: James Cropper has been involved in the F-35 programme since the 1990s. 

Over that time, the workforce have faced significant job cuts on a number of occasions (including in 2011 and 2023). 

So, it is just not true that involvement in the defence sector protects jobs.

The paper manufacturing business is currently loss-making and there is a desperate need to invest in the other forms of production to ensure decent jobs and livelihood that employees of the company can be proud of.

​
 

James Cropper claims: "We recognise the complexity and sensitivity of global conflicts. As a responsible employer and corporate citizen, we are committed to legal compliance and ethical business practices. 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."

​

The reality: As mentioned above, James Cropper may be complying with the law, but this does not mean that their business practices are ethical. At the annual shareholder meeting in 2025, shareholders presented the board with a Message from the children of Gaza, which clearly outlined the ethical choice facing the company: 

What is the “small part” worth to you?

Is it worth the life of a five-year-old boy who loved football and wanted to be a doctor?

Is it worth the dreams of a ten-year-old girl who kept a diary and loved to draw birds?

Is their future a fair price for your profit? 

​

The company has consistently refused to discuss the technical, legal, economic or moral impact of their activity. And they have told their workers not to engage in discussion with campaigners. We would love to have a proper discussion about these issues with anyone involved in the company, whether they are bosses, workers, or trade union officials. Contact us via the form on this website. 

​

One of the main reasons why companies like Lockheed Martin have long, complex supply chains is precisely to avoid responsibility for their involvement in war crimes, human rights abuses and environmental damage. The reason we are protesting is to resist and overcome that evasion of accountability.

​

UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese has made clear that each of the 1600 companies worldwide which contribute to the F-35 programme carries some responsibility for the genocide being committed against the people of Gaza. Where there is an "actual or potential adverse impact on human rights or is the conflict connected either to the corporate entity’s activities, products or services", a company must "use its leverage, including collaboratively, to prevent or mitigate the impact on human rights. Should that leverage prove ineffective, it must consider terminating relationships". 

​

James Cropper is proud to say on their website that they are "developing materials which meet specifications that other providers can't fulfil." 

Given this unique role in producing specialised materials, it is not acceptable to say that they cannot have any influence in the supply chain. The complexity of the F-35 supply chain and the extremely high-maintenance required of the strike aircraft means that there is a real possibility that Cropper’s withdrawal from the F-35 project would have an impact on the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Even if they did not wish to end their contract, they could surely raise concerns with the companies further up the supply chain?

 

Ending their complicity in genocide would also have an enormous symbolic impact. Genocide is forever, but taking a stand against genocide is equally enduring. It makes history. The eyes of the world are on Gaza, meaning that Croppers has an opportunity to write the company, its employees, its shareholders, and communities of Burneside and Kendal into the history books.​

​

The company may feel like it is "standing with those seeking an end to this and other global conflicts", but we have not seen any evidence of the company making any real steps in this direction- neither in relation to Gaza, nor in relation to any other global conflict. There are many opportunities for the company to use its position to raise awareness amongst customers, workers, or the general public, or simply to put an end to the complicity in providing material support for genocide.

​

In case they need some positive examples of companies taking a stand:

• In 1992, the ropemaker DF Ellwood (another proud Quaker business based in Kendal) took a stand against the death penalty, refusing to supply rope for use in hangman's nooses for the United States and Malawi.

• In 1974, warplane engines arrived for repairs at a Rolls Royce factory in the Scottish town of East Kilbride, just outside Glasgow. Factory worker Bob Fulton recognized the engines as coming from the Hawker Hunters that attacked Chile‘s presidential palace during the coup of September 11, 1973. He refused to work on them on moral grounds. By the end of the day, all 4,000 factory workers had joined him in his act of solidarity.

• The Lucas Plan was a 1976 proposal by Lucas Aerospace workers in Britain to prevent job losses by developing alternative, socially useful products from the company's advanced technologies, rather than military production.

• GF Smith (a paper company that was previously a major customer of Croppers) has educational content on their website about Ecocide.

• In September 2025, Lush (a company with whom James Cropper has previously done business) closed all of its shops for one day in solidarity with the people of Palestine- and it is raising funds for charities providing medical services in Gaza.

​
 

James Cropper claims: “We remain focused on delivering world-class materials science and supporting our customers across aerospace, defence, energy transition, and other critical sectors.”

The reality: James Cropper plays a vital role in the economy of South Lakeland. It is known for producing beautiful paper, and has diversified into a number of sectors. Cumbria has the potential for thousands of green jobs, and James Cropper should be using their skills and expertise to be at the forefront of the transition to environmentally and socially sustainable production.