Five students at the University of Glasgow have entered their second week of a hunger strike, demanding that the institution cut financial ties with arms companies. The protest, which began earlier this month, is part of a growing student-led campaign urging universities to divest from the arms industry and adopt more ethical investment policies.
The students are protesting the university’s reported £6.8 million investment in arms manufacturers, a figure revealed through recent transparency requests. They argue that such investments directly conflict with the university’s publicly stated commitments to sustainability, peace, and global responsibility.
In a joint statement shared online and at campus rallies, the students said:
“We will not eat until the University of Glasgow publicly commits to full divestment from the arms industry. Our university should not profit from war and violence.”
The protest has gained traction on social media, with students, staff, and peace organisations expressing support and calling on university leadership to engage with the strikers’ demands. Posters and leaflets across campus have called attention to specific companies allegedly included in the university’s investment portfolio, including firms known for manufacturing weapons used in international conflicts.
University management has acknowledged the protest and confirmed that discussions are ongoing with the students involved. In a brief statement, a university spokesperson said:
“We respect the right of students to protest peacefully and are engaging with the individuals involved. The university’s investment policies are regularly reviewed and subject to our ethical investment guidelines.”
However, the hunger strikers say these guidelines are not strong enough and lack full transparency. They are calling for an immediate commitment to divestment, followed by a review of all university investments to ensure they align with human rights standards and climate justice goals.
Student campaigns for ethical investment are not new, but the hunger strike marks a significant escalation. Similar actions in recent years have led other universities — including Edinburgh and Goldsmiths — to divest from fossil fuels and arms companies after sustained student pressure.
Health concerns for the striking students have been raised by campaigners and student union representatives, who are urging the university to act swiftly to avoid serious consequences. Local medical professionals have also reportedly been consulted to monitor the strikers' wellbeing.
The University of Glasgow has not yet confirmed whether it will alter its investment strategy in response to the protest. As of this week, the hunger strike continues, with the students insisting they will not back down until their demands are met.
Image: Gordon Terris