This afternoon, ORCA and Cambridge for Palestine activists have staged a protest against the University of Cambridge’s ties to weapons companies Rolls Royce, BAE Systems and Boeing. At lunchtime, they dropped a large banner saying “End Arms Complicity” over the balcony of the busy West Hub building, at the centre of the university’s sciences campus. Chanting “Free Palestine”, activists threw paper aeroplanes bearing information on arms complicity from a balcony into the foyer. 

The main target of the protest was the university’s Aviation Impact Accelerator, an initiative between the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, the Whittle Lab and industry partners. Connected companies include Rolls Royce and Boeing as well as private jet company 4Air. Campaigners have called the project “greenwash”, alluding to the conflict between its environmental framing and the records of contributing partners. 

One activist said: “The AIA is yet another empty greenwash project from the University of Cambridge. What’s worse is they’re actively helping arms companies to launder their reputation while they profit from war and genocide. It’s disgusting to talk about making these weapons more efficient.”

Campaigners also identified the Institute for Manufacturing’s “Cambridge Service Alliance” as a site of arms complicity, pointing to their ongoing partnership with weapons manufacturer BAE Systems. The Service Alliance, founded in 2010, forms part of the University’s industrial engagement strategy. 

Rolls Royce, Boeing and BAE Systems are among the world’s largest manufacturers of weapons. All three are noted for their complicity in the Israeli genocide of Palestinians and their ongoing attacks on Lebanon. Among others, the triad also supply arms to US, Saudi, UK and UAE regimes. 

Another activist said: “May Day is a day for international solidarity. We will not stay silent while weapons companies conduct research and reputation-laundering in our city. We reject the industries and academics who profit from death.”

This collaborative action is part of ORCA’s broader campaign against greenwashing and environmental violence. The campaign focuses on Aviation Impact Accelerator lead Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Cambridge for Palestine launched on May 5th 2023 and have since campaigned against the University’s complicity in ongoing genocide in Palestine. 

Read more:

• About our campaign against greenwashing at the University of Cambridge
• Cambridge for Palestine:
  • Website: cambridge4palestine.org
  • Instagram: @cambridgeforpalestine
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