Several UK universities reassured defence companies that they would observe students’ chat groups and social media accounts following concerns about campus protests, reported The WP Times with reference to theguardian, citing emails obtained by the Guardian and Liberty Investigates. Internal correspondence shows that Loughborough, Heriot-Watt and Glasgow universities provided information or agreed to monitoring measures requested by arms firms ahead of career fairs and other recruitment events.

Universities reportedly offered to conduct “active monitoring of social media” to detect any planned demonstrations against Rolls-Royce at a careers fair. Heriot-Watt University appeared to comply with a request from Raytheon UK to “monitor university chat groups” prior to a campus visit, while Glasgow University completed a security questionnaire from BAE Systems seeking information on social media posts hinting at imminent protests over the company’s alleged involvement in conflicts, including in Gaza.

Emails show that universities’ coordination with arms firms emerged from concerns about disruptions at career events and larger-scale pro-Palestinian protests on campuses across the UK over the past two years. Notes from a January 2025 presentation by the Association of University Chief Security Officers (Aucso) to Universities UK, obtained under Freedom of Information requests, indicate that Aucso aimed to prevent protests “affecting our students’ career advancement.”

Aucso, which provides security staff to over 140 universities, outlined measures including monitoring social media, deploying static officers at entrances near targeted companies, and using mobile officers for rapid response in surrounding areas. Security personnel also reportedly used bodycams to capture footage for “legal/disciplinary proceedings.” Aucso was approached for comment but did not respond.

Emails indicate that individual arms companies sought reassurance from universities before career fairs. Loughborough University told a recruitment firm hosting a Rolls-Royce event that its security team conducted “active monitoring of social media to provide early intelligence about protests” due to concerns that recent protest activity could affect employer events. A spokesperson clarified that Loughborough does not surveil students’ private accounts but monitors public feeds to anticipate potential disruptions.

Heriot-Watt University emails show that Raytheon UK asked the university to monitor chat groups, prompting the university to agree to implement the requested measures. The university stated it does not access private student chats or online discussion forums. Raytheon declined to comment.

At Glasgow University, BAE Systems required the completion of security questions before attending events, including queries about awareness of social media posts suggesting protests. In May 2025, Leonardo met with Glasgow’s careers service staff, after which a company employee noted relief that engagement with students could proceed safely. Neither Glasgow University nor Leonardo provided comment.

Earlier, in February 2024, Cardiff University moved a careers event online following a social media post calling for a protest, reportedly in agreement with BAE Systems. The university emphasized that it monitors public mentions of Cardiff University for communication engagement and reputation management, not to place students “under surveillance.” BAE Systems noted that it does not directly sell weapons to Israel but supplies components used globally, including in F-35 jets accessible to Israel.

Data compiled by Liberty Investigates shows that between October 2023 and March 2025, nearly a quarter of UK universities (37 out of 154) initiated disciplinary proceedings against pro-Gaza student and staff activists, affecting up to 200 individuals.

Additional context on companies and protests:

  • Rolls-Royce: Faced campus protests at career fairs due to links with defence contracts. Universities like Loughborough monitored public channels for potential demonstrations.
  • Raytheon UK: Requested Heriot-Watt University to check student chat groups before recruitment events, highlighting the firm’s sensitivity to activist opposition.
  • BAE Systems: Used security questionnaires at Glasgow University and coordinated online event adjustments at Cardiff University to avoid protests interfering with staff safety.
  • Leonardo: Engaged with Glasgow careers services to ensure events could continue without disruption from social justice activism.
  • Over the past two years, pro-Palestinian student protests at UK campuses have been significant, often targeting companies linked to military contracts and prompting universities to increase security measures.

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