The Full Story

A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.

The jury has been discharged in the trial of eight Palestine Action supporters accused of helping to organise an attack on an Israel-linked weapons manufacturer in the UK. The defendants faced charges connected to a raid on the Elbit Systems factory in Filton, near Bristol, two years ago.

None of the defendants were said to have been at the scene at the time of the raid. However, prosecutors alleged that their plans included compiling an equipment list, carrying out reconnaissance, purchasing tools and weapons used by others, and coordinating the break-in, including its filming. All eight defendants deny any wrongdoing.

The discharge of the jury means the trial has come to a halt without a verdict. The Crown Prosecution Service will now need to decide whether to seek a retrial. No date has yet been set for that decision, and the defendants remain subject to the ongoing legal process.

The case has drawn attention to protests and direct action linked to Palestine Action, a group that has targeted companies with ties to the Israeli military. The Elbit Systems factory in Filton is one of several sites that have been the focus of such activity in recent years.

On screen

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BBC News, BBC News Now, 19 August 2026

Key Claims

Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.

Claim BBC News
The jury was discharged in the trial of eight Palestine Action supporters, who were accused of planning an attack but were not present at the scene; the Crown Prosecution Service will decide whether to seek a retrial.

Channel Perspectives

What each channel focused on, with key quotes.

The BBC reported the development as a straightforward news update, focusing on the legal outcome and the next step for prosecutors. It also provided context about the alleged planning, while noting that none of the defendants were at the scene. The tone was neutral and factual, with no extra commentary or analysis.

Key Quotes:
  • “A jury's been discharged in the trial of eight Palestine Action supporters accused of helping to organise an attack on an Israel-linked weapons manufacturer in the UK.”
  • “The Crown Prosecution Service will now need to decide whether to seek a retrial.”

Broadcast Timeline

News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.

BBC News Now