Idea Update from Jessie
On 17 November 2025, I submitted an idea called "Support Engineering-related societies with a fair transition to ending sponsorship from arms". Since then, we have received a large amount of student interest, with over 750 students voting on the idea and a very active comment section which highlighted the different sides of the debate.
It was clear that there were strong feelings from the many sides of this debate, and that there were concerns on what the next actions taken would be. Democratic Standards Committee decided the best way to continue this process was to move it forward as an SRA (Students Representation Assembly) discussion, which took place on 18 December 2025. You can find the minutes here. Representatives from different faculties and schools, as well as representatives of marginalised backgrounds (such as our Student Community Organisers) were present to discuss and voice their opinions. Following the discussion, it was agreed that rather than take this to Student Council, where motions on a similar subject have lead to little progress, it would be best to work on the project through education on the issue more broadly, and empowerment for students involved in a group which currently has a connection to arms companies.
Since then, I have been working with SU staff to facilitate that. Here are our next steps:
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Student Group AGMs often take place at this time of year. Your AGM is a great opportunity to review the year and set the direction of the future of your group. Bristol SU will release support guidance and materials on how you can use your society AGM effectively. If you are part of a student group with arms company involvement that you oppose, you could make use of your AGM to raise a motion which reflects your belief, and encourage a conversation within your group.
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Our Development team and I are, as always, open to meeting with any individuals or student groups about this. You can email me at su-international@bristol.ac.uk.
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I am looking to organise an event with Demilitarise Education, potentially collaborating with UCU and UNISON. Demilitarise Education is an organisation that works to untangle, expose and end university ties to the global arms trade. This event was suggested during our SRA in December. UCU and UNISON are the trade unions for University of Bristol academic and professional (e.g. admin, library, disability support) staff respectively. UCU and UNISON have both passed motions calling for demilitarising education. They both resolve to organise event with Demilitarise Education, which fits well with what I am trying to achieve. We can build staff and students solidarity and connection in this movement.
If any student is keen to get involved with this campaign, please email su-international@bristol.ac.uk.
Jessie Yeung, International Students Officer
