Cambridge University’s proposed memorandum of understanding with Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry has drawn sharp criticism from free speech advocates, who warn that it could undermine academic freedom in the United Kingdom. Jemimah Steinfeld, chief executive of Index on Censorship, has urged the institution to reconsider the partnership, describing it as fundamentally at odds with the values of scholarly independence.
Concerns Over Repressive Regime
In a letter published in response to a report by The Guardian, Steinfeld highlighted the Saudi government’s poor human rights record, including a surge in executions and the imprisonment of journalists. She argued that any deal with such a regime would inevitably compromise academic integrity, even if formal safeguards are put in place. “Self-censorship has a terrible habit of creeping in when money is on the line,” she wrote.
Cautionary Tales from Other Universities
Steinfeld pointed to Sheffield Hallam University as a warning example, where research into China’s human rights abuses was shelved due to institutional partnerships with Chinese entities. The research only resumed after legal action by the professor involved, Laura Murphy. She also cited Cambridge’s own history, noting that Pakistani human rights defender Roshaan Khattak had to halt her PhD research on enforced disappearances in Balochistan following threats.
The CEO emphasised that transnational repression is becoming increasingly common at UK universities. She argued that while foreign states seek partnerships with British institutions due to their reputation for academic excellence, such collaborations risk eroding the very principles that make them attractive.
Steinfeld concluded by urging Cambridge to protect its tradition of academic freedom and avoid cosying up to foreign governments that show little regard for such values. The proposed deal with Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry, she said, should serve as a lightning rod for anyone who cares about the future of independent scholarship in the UK.
