A STUDENT protest has been held against the University of York’s acceptance of millions of pounds from defence companies.

Students held a meeting and marched across the Heslington campus to the administration building to protest against the university’s acceptance of almost £4 million from BAE Systems, MBDA, and QinetiQ over three years.

A number of speakers including York Central MP Hugh Bayley addressed the students, many of whom deem funding for the chemistry, computer science and electronics departments as “unethical”. Alexandra Peck, an organiser of the protest, said: “I thought it was really good to start a dialogue with the university about how they account for the money they accept for research. By doing the research we are contributing to their work.

“I think it’s appalling the university would be furthering their activities.”

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act revealed that BAE Systems provided £1.24 million in research support in 2010, £1.05 million in 2009 and more than £800,000 in 2008.

Meanwhile, MBDA, which makes missiles, has given more than £22,000 in the past three years, and QinetiQ, a defence technology and security company, has given more than £500,000. The university has also received money from Rolls-Royce, which makes engines, including for military aircraft.

Speaking after the protest, Mr Bayley, said he was not against arms manufacturing as a whole but encouraged conversation about the ethics of funding.

He said: “When you are talking about a public body it’s not the ethical decision of an individual. It depends on building a consensus amongst members of the university about what is ethical and what isn’t.”

A spokesman for the University of York said: “The university respects freedom of speech and students’ right to engage in peaceful and lawful protest. The demonstration passed off without incident.”

A BAE Systems spokesman said BAE Systems is “a responsible company” that is proud of its support for the armed forces. The spokesman said the company invest £50 million a year in education and training and work with more than 30 universities across the UK.