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Northern TUC narrowly passes motion against university's deal with arms manufacturer
A Lockheed Martin F35B Lightning II demonstrates it's STOVL (Short Take off Vertical Landing) function during the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford

A CALL for a university to cancel a partnership agreement made with an arms manufacturer passed at the annual conference of the Northern region of the TUC on Saturday, but met strong opposition.

Newcastle Trade Union Council delegate Ron Brown, supported by the University and College Union (UCU), said the University of Northumbria planned to create a “world-leading” space science centre with Lockheed Martin – the world’s biggest weapons manufacturer.

He said Lockheed’s F35 fighter-bomber jets, which the firm classed as “the most lethal in the world,” were being used by Israel on its continuing attacks on Gaza.

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Trade unionists and protesters form a blockade outside weapons manufacturer BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent, in protest over the Israel-Gaza conflict and calling for an immediate ceasefire to halt the killing of civilians in Palestine. Over 400 trade unionists including health workers, teachers, hospitality workers, academics and artists are shutting down entrances to the arms factory which provides components for military aircraft currently being used by Israeli forces in the bombardment of Gaza. Picture da
TUC Congress 2025 / 9 September 2025
9 September 2025

Investing the £75 billion slated for defence spending on a green new deal, healthcare and education would create jobs and help communities far more than weapons spending, argues UCU general secretary JO GRADY