Charles Wilson occupation ends

The protestors have agreed to leave the University building after being promised a meeting with David Duncan. 

Student protesters from Glasgow Against Arms and Fossil Fuels (GAAF) and Glasgow University Justice for Palestine (GUJPS) have left the Sir Charles Wilson Building at approximately 4:15pm this afternoon. 

In a statement made to supporters and spectators outside, the protesters said that they had agreed to leave after receiving confirmation from University Secretary David Duncan that he would meet with them in the coming days and discuss their demands.

The occupation of the building began this morning and involved around 30 students refusing to leave the building, with three activists claiming to go on hunger strike until their demands were met. The protesters demanded from the University: immediate divestment from arms, a  cancelling of research partnerships with arms companies, the banning of "Zionists" and weapons companies from campus, and immunity for all students involved in the protest.

The occupation of 11 University Gardens last year ended after two weeks under similar circumstances. Following the occupation, the University agreed to set up a working group with the activists involved to discuss the issue of divestment. However, talks later broke down, with GAAF accusing the University of “bad faith” negotiations.

In an email sent to all students, David Duncan said: "I am writing to update you on the protest which took place in the Sir Charles Wilson Building today, causing disruption to classes.

"Police attended the Sir Charles Wilson Building during the afternoon and persuaded the protestors to leave.  No arrests were made and all the protestors left the building by 16:30. On behalf of Court, I have agreed to meet with representatives of the group over the next few days.

"The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations.  However, we do not tolerate activities which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.  We apologise to all staff and students whose teaching and learning was disrupted by today’s protest."

Published 19 March 2025