SRC Referendum on UofG Arms Divestment

Page Contents

  1. About the Referendum
  2. Key Dates
  3. The Referendum Question
  4. How to Vote
  5. How to Campaign
  6. What Happens After the Vote?
  7. Important Pages

About the Referendum

A few months ago, your elected Students’ Representative Council (SRC) agreed to call for a student-wide vote on whether the University of Glasgow should divest from the arms trade.

This decision was made in response to increasing debate on campus around the University’s investment policies and whether they reflect the values of the student body. The issue has been discussed at senior levels within the University and was the subject of a recent Extraordinary General Meeting of the SRC. The purpose of the referendum is to ensure that all students have a clear, straightforward and accessible way to express their views.

This is your chance to express your view on a vital issue. Whilst the SRC has a neutral stance in this indicative referendum, the outcome will inform us of our approach in future discussions with the University on its investment priorities.

Please use your vote.

Key Dates

  • 7 March: Referendum launch – all students receive an email with key details
  • 12 March (12pm): Deadline to register to campaign for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
  • 14 March: Campaign team meetings & spokesperson elections
  • 17 March (12pm): Deadline for campaign teams to submit their campaign statements
  • 17 March – 27 March: Campaigning period
  • 26 March (9am) – 27 March (5pm): Voting period
  • 27 March (after 6pm): Results announced and next steps shared

The Referendum Question

'Should the University of Glasgow stop investing in companies that earn more than 10% of their revenue from the arms and defence industry?'

  • A ‘YES’ vote means you believe the University should divest from these companies.
  • A ‘NO vote means you believe the University should continue investing in these companies.

The result of this vote is indicative—it will not directly change University policy, but it will inform the SRC’s stance when representing students in discussions with the University.

How to Vote

  • Voting will be open from 9am on 26 March until 5pm on 27 March.
  • All currently registered University of Glasgow students are eligible to vote.
  • You can cast your vote online through the SRC website (this page) or via the My SRC app.
  • Please ensure you can log in and access our website using your GUID ahead of the voting period.
  • If you require support or are unsure if you are eligible, please contact SRC IT Support: support@src.gla.ac.uk.

Further details on how to vote will be provided closer to the voting period.

How to Campaign

Campaign Team Eligibility

Only currently registered University of Glasgow students who are eligible to vote in the referendum can join a campaign team. There will only be two official campaign teams, one for 'Yes' and one for 'No'.

Key Campaign Dates

  • 12 March (12pm): Deadline to register to campaign for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’
  • 14 March: Campaign team meetings & spokesperson elections
  • 17 March (12pm): Deadline for campaign teams to submit their campaign statements (cases)

Campaign teams will be invited to attend meetings on Friday 14 March, where they can ask questions about the referendum process and will internally elect a spokesperson for their team. This spokesperson will act as the key contact with the SRC for the duration of the campaign.

Campaign teams must submit their campaign statements by 12pm on Monday 17 March. These will replace the typical cases currently listed on the referendum page.

Campaign teams will be able to access a small budget for campaign materials – up to £30 per team. These funds may only be used to purchase publicity materials for use in furthering the campaign.

Sign Up for a Campaign Team

Typical Cases for 'Yes' and 'No'

PLEASE NOTE: Below are examples of typical campaign statements or cases to help illustrate why you might campaign for ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. These are not the views of the SRC or its members. The SRC has a neutral stance in this referendum.

By joining a campaign team, you will have the opportunity to write your own campaign statement to replace these. Sign up for a campaign team on this page.


The Typical ‘Yes’ Case

‘The University of Glasgow should divest from companies that earn more than 10% of their revenue from the arms and defence industry.

Many students believe the University should align its investments with its values and commitments to ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability.

  • Ethical Concerns: Investing in arms companies means financial ties to an industry linked to global conflicts and human rights issues.
  • Precedent for Ethical Investment: The University has already divested from fossil fuels on ethical grounds - this would be a logical next step.
  • Student-Led Change: A strong ‘Yes’ vote would show that UofG students want a more ethical investment approach.

By voting YES, you are supporting a move towards ethical investment and encouraging the University to prioritise social responsibility.’

 

The Typical ‘No’ Case

‘The University of Glasgow should continue investing in companies that earn more than 10% of their revenue from the arms and defence industry.

The University’s investment strategy should prioritise financial sustainability and long-term returns. The arms and defence sector also plays a legitimate role in national security, research, and technological development.

  • Financial Impact: Divestment could limit the University’s investment options, potentially affecting funding for student services and research.
  • Defence and Security Contributions: Many defence companies contribute to national security, peacekeeping, and disaster response efforts.
  • Unclear Alternatives: If the University divests, it is uncertain whether alternative investment options will provide similar financial benefits while addressing ethical concerns.

By voting NO, you are supporting the University’s current investment approach, ensuring flexibility in decision-making while maintaining financial responsibility.’

What Happens After the Vote?

Once voting closes at 5pm on 27 March, the SRC will announce the results by 6pm that day via our website, social media platforms, and email.

It is hoped that this vote will be unambiguous in highlighting what students really feel about investment in the arms and defence industry and whether they wish the SRC to make the matter a future priority.