Quakers in Britain Oppose Defence Universities Alliance Amid Concerns Over Militarisation of Higher Education

Quakers in Britain have joined nine other organisations in supporting a statement from Demilitarise Education that opposes the Defence Universities Alliance (DUA), a new initiative launched by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in April 2026. The DUA aims to establish a partnership between UK universities and the military, MoD, and arms manufacturers, with the goal of dedicating institutional resources, research capacity, and career services to advancing military technology and promoting employment in militarised industries.

The statement, signed by groups such as the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), criticises the DUA as a dangerous step in the militarisation of higher education. It argues that the initiative fundamentally undermines the core purpose of universities and threatens academic freedom. The signatories highlight that universities should not deepen their involvement with industries that profit from violence, displacement, occupation, and human suffering, especially amid ongoing conflicts in regions such as Congo, Sudan, Ukraine, and Palestine.

The statement urges universities to resist participation in the DUA and offers strategies for resistance, including engaging with university leadership, organising public events, and monitoring university arms partnerships. It calls for a shift in focus from supporting military industries to addressing the root causes of war and violence, such as poverty, injustice, and climate breakdown.

Hannah Brock Womack, Peace Lead at Quakers in Britain, stated that as Quakers, the organisation has a deep spiritual commitment to peace. She called on universities to continue working towards addressing the root causes of conflict rather than becoming part of the UK’s war machine. This aligns with the Quakers’ longstanding advocacy for peace and justice, rooted in their religious principles.

The Quakers’ opposition to the DUA reflects a broader concern among peace organisations about the increasing influence of military and defence industries on academic institutions. This issue raises important questions about the role of universities in society and their responsibility to uphold ethical standards in research and education. The Quakers’ stance underscores their commitment to challenging systems that perpetuate violence and suffering, in line with their historical dedication to peace and social justice.

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