Luton college suspends ties with arms firm that supplies Israeli military after student protest 

A college in Luton has suspended its relationship with the British subsidiary of an Italian aerospace company that supplies components to the Israeli military after hundreds of students walked out of their classes to protest for Palestine.

Luton Sixth Form College confirmed its decision on Wednesday after hundreds of students walked out of their class to oppose Leonardo, and its presence on campus. 

Earlier this month, images posted online and sent to Middle East Eye showed hundreds of students gathered on the college courtyard to protest against its involvement with Leonardo and in support of Palestine.

Following the protest, the college disbanded the student council, which organised the demonstration and presented the call to oppose Leonardo. 

Hassan Sajjad, who chaired the student council, confirmed to Middle East Eye that students will continue protesting until the college completely cuts ties to Leonardo.

"We're going to continue placing pressure till the college cuts ties with Leonardo and ensure that the college has transparency in its decision," said Sajjad.

Sajjad said the head of the college had told him that he planned to speak to Leonardo representatives to hear their perspective, "so nothing is concrete at this time".

Sajjad added: "The decision to disband the student council was done behind closed doors without informing them of whether or not they want to finish this year's session early. So we want that element of student input to be stronger within the college."

READ MORE: Israel-Palestine war: Luton college suspends ties with arms firm after student protest