Defence firms cut ties with Edinburgh University after student backlash labelled ‘woke’

Defence companies will no longer attend careers fairs at the University of Edinburgh and several other UK universities following backlash from student protesters.

Around a dozen universities, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, and Warwick, have been affected after being named on a Ministry of Defence list.

Firms such as BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo UK have pulled out due to security concerns, with some allegedly following advice from universities’ security teams, The Times reports.

An industry insider claimed student protests have created a “hostile environment” at these universities, effectively blocking firms from attending career events and limiting job prospects for students.

Defence firms say hostility toward them has intensified since the Israel-Gaza conflict began in October 2023.

The University of Edinburgh has, however, affirmed their intention to “continue to work with industry partners to bring them together with students and encourage them to take part in events”.

Student opposition to defence firms on campus is longstanding. Last year, pro-Palestine protesters targeted an Amazon stand at an Edinburgh careers fair, accusing the company of providing AI and cloud software to the Israeli military.

Some firms have linked declining recruitment numbers to the backlash.

Kevin Craven, Chief Executive of ADS Group, which represents the UK’s aerospace, defence, security, and space industries, called the student protests “unhelpful” and a “woke approach” that ultimately benefits foreign defence companies.

Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani also criticised student attitudes, saying they hold “biased points of view” and adding that “peace does not happen automatically.”

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A spokesperson for the University of Edinburgh said: “The University offers impartial support to students, helping them to make informed choices about their future. Our Careers Service supports our students to explore new avenues, tap into their potential and confidently shape the possibilities ahead of them.

“As part of this, we provide information and access to a wide range of industries and professional networks. Our careers fairs host major employers of graduates from institutions across the UK, and support students to engage with many different companies about their interests and future careers.

“In an academic environment where we promote and respect a diversity of views, it is critical and consistent that this freedom extends to the rights of students to engage with whichever company they may consider to be their future employer. It is also crucial that prospective employers feel supported to connect with students directly without concerns or disruption.

“We will continue to work with industry partners to bring them together with students and encourage them to take part in events that highlight the opportunities and benefits of careers across all sectors.”