Leonardo S.p.A is an Italian defence contractor that develops targeting and radar systems currently being used in the ongoing war in Gaza. The company and its subsidiaries are one of the largest of its kind, developing military technology and naval artillery known to have been used by the Israeli government.
Leonardo recently opened a ‘high-technology science and engineering facility’ back in October last year within the Newcastle Helix, the innovation cluster created in partnership with Newcastle City Council, Legal & General, and Newcastle University. The University website gives information on their past partnerships, though some students wish for full transparency on Newcastle University's current stakeholder position.
Since then, some students believe the university's approach has been insufficient, both with regard to the ongoing conflict and the association with the company. This lack of transparency has raised concerns that tuition fees could be going towards facilitating potentially harmful research.
One student at the protest said the ‘lack of transparency and support for Palestinian students is making us angry’.
Hundreds of students chant ‘Leonardo’s got to go’ as they left lectures to join the demonstration that took place on the University’s Post-Graduate Open Day. Signs, banners and flags were held high whilst protestors powerfully spoke out about the conflict.
Lewi El Hawary, President of NUSU’s Amnesty Society, said ‘100 000 Palestinians are injured, missing or dead. Don’t become numb, visualise the numbers. Imagine St. James’ stadium full to capacity…that times two.'.
Police, stewards and members of the public watched as a sea of students walked down to Kings Gate to hand over the open letter signed by students, alumni, societies, local charities and campaigns urging the executive board to reconsider the implications of Leonardo being close to campus.
Palestine support and action is spreading in Newcastle with protests occurring outside the Civic Centre, Northumbria University's campus, Monument, Northumberland street, the Rafael Factory on Scotswood road and at Angel of the North.
Newcastle University has a Socially Responsible Investment Policy, which states the institution does not 'permit investment in [...] companies manufacturing armaments' and are 'working towards aligning its approach to investments with its commitments to social and environmental justice.'.
A spokesperson from Newcastle University has said:
'We have not invested in Leonardo as we do not invest in companies making armaments. As a University, we are committed to embedding environmental, social and governance criteria within our investment approach in accordance with our sustainability commitments.'
'We have no current research with Leonardo.'
'Discussion about any future collaboration is due to take place at Executive Board which comprises the senior management team of the University and has central oversight of the day-to-day business of the University.'
Chandni Choprai, International human rights lawyer has stated 'It is important to recognise this is your university, your campus, and you are entitled to have your voice heard.'.
When asked for comment, Student Union President Yaseen told The Courier:
'I would like to re-iterate that the Students’ Union is here for and to support all students, irrespective of belief, religion, or nationality and I urge all students to be respectful to each other. If you have been affected by the conflict, please reach out to our student support services for help.'
