A debating society at a Welsh university has refused a request by Reform UK to hold a Q&A session with students due to its “zero tolerance” hate policy.
The Bangor Debating and Political Society is the oldest student society in Wales, having been founded in 1849, and claims it is home for students who love to “challenge ideas, explore diverse perspectives, and master the art of persuasion”.
Run by students through Bangor Students’ Union, the group said they had “zero tolerance for any form of racism, transphobia, or homophobia displayed by the members of Reform UK”.
Zia Yusuf, head of policy for Reform UK, condemned the society’s decision, threatening to cut funding to the entire university if Nigel Farage’s party win the next general election.
Taking to social media, he said: “Bangor University has banned Reform and called us ‘racist, transphobic and homophobic’.
“Bangor receives £30million in state funding a year, much of which comes from Reform-voting taxpayers.
“I am sure they won’t mind losing every penny of that state funding under a Reform government. After all, they wouldn’t want a racist’s money, would they?”
The debating society received a request from Reform MP Sarah Pochin MP to attend Bangor University and answer questions from students, which they refused “in line with values”.
The Welsh university claim to not be affiliated with the student group.
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A spokesman said: “We stand by this decision as a committee. We have zero tolerance for any form of racism, transphobia, or homophobia displayed by the members of Reform UK.
“Their approach to the lives of others is antithetical to the values of welcoming and fair debate that our society has upheld for 177 years.
“We are proud to be the first of the debating unions to take a stand against Reform UK. We strongly implore our fellow societies to join us in keeping hate out of our universities.”
They claimed their first and foremost duty was to “ensure a welcoming and enjoyable debate environment for our members,” adding, “in this instance, it was felt that platforming these individuals would not support this”.
Suella Braverman, the former home secretary who recently defected from the Conservatives Reform UK, said: “Our once revered and world-class university system has been captured by left-wing ideologues who hate freedom of speech. Education needs Reform.”
Cambridge University professor Dr James Orr added: “The decision by a ‘debating and politics’ society at Bangor University to ban a Member of Parliament from speaking on its premises is a disgrace.
“In a crowded field, it’s the worst breach of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 I have ever come across.”
Nick Pritchard, an independent Bangor city councillor, said he is “saddened and shocked” by the decision and the biggest problem is “no one wants to debate”.
“They’re too scared to see that there is some truth, and there’s no ability to debate it,” he added.
The university claimed the social media post issued by the student society had no affiliation with Bangor University.
A spokesman said: “The views expressed by societies are their own and do not reflect University policy.
“Bangor University remains politically neutral and supports freedom of speech. Bangor University welcomes debate from across the political spectrum.”