Durham University was accused of attacking free speech after imposing last-minute restrictions on anti-monarchy protests ahead of King Charles’s visit.
The university decided to close Palace Green to the public and refuse entry to protesters just hours before the King’s scheduled appearance at Durham Cathedral for the Royal Maundy service.
The anti-monarchy group Republic had previously been advised by police that they would be able to access Palace Green and protest outside the cathedral.
The protest had been advertised as taking place on Palace Green for several weeks, with police notified in March.
Free speech row erupts during King Charles’s visit to Durham
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No concerns were raised, and police had confirmed no restrictions were in place.
According to Republic, police initially informed them at 8pm the night before that they would be able to access Palace Green.
The university was seeking to contain the protest in a corner of the square, but Republic maintained they had the right to protest where the public was gathering.
Just two and a half hours later, at 10:30pm, police contacted Republic again with different news.
They informed the group that Durham University had decided to close Palace Green entirely to the public.
This meant protesters would be refused entry to the area where they had planned to demonstrate during the King’s visit.
Graham Smith, speaking for Republic, criticised the university’s decision.
“Free speech in universities is a hot-button issue right now, so you’d think Durham University would try to avoid accusations of stifling peaceful protest,” he said.
Smith described the closure as “an attack on our free speech, plain and simple.”
He pointed out that Republic has “protested peacefully and successfully at the Maundy service in York and Worcester over the last two years.”
“We have protested at numerous royal events, without incident,” Smith added.
He questioned why Durham University believes “the right to protest stops at their gates.”
Despite the restrictions, Republic confirmed they would still be demonstrating in the area.
“We will be demonstrating on the nearby street tomorrow, for an elected head of state, an end to the monarchy and for our right to protest,” Smith stated.