UPDATE - Edinburgh University Investments

Following my piece on Edinburgh University's investment in the arms trade and in oil companies such as Shell two motions were proposed at the EUSA AGM on Nov 23rd, calling on the University to divest from Shell and Cobham Plc. Both passed unanimously, however as the turnout was less than the required 300 the meeting was not quorate and therefore the decisions were not binding. Nonetheless the support for the motions was so strong that the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Mike Williamson, pledged to follow up the issue with the University. Since then it has been revealed that the university has sold its shares in Cobham Plc as a result of student pressure. The next step will be to try and bring about a change in the University's Socially Responsible Investment policy to prevent arms manufacturers from returning to the investment portfolio.