Deputy Leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, says he is “appalled” at the barring of the student-led Edinburgh Reform Society from cross-party events by other University of Edinburgh political groups.
In a joint statement signed by the Edinburgh Labour Students, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, and the Yes for Independence society presidents, the groups said they were “disturbed” by the arrival of Reform on campus and committed not to invite them to “any cross-party events.”
In the past, these events have included debates, panel discussions, and social evenings.
The statement accused Reform UK of stoking “fear and hatred against the most vulnerable people” and warned that its “rhetoric will only increase the levels of discrimination and violence that our members already experience.”
Tice told The Student he was “appalled to hear that free speech is not allowed at the wonderful University of Edinburgh and that the leading political party is banned from activities and deplatformed.”
He continued: “Democracy is all about debate and respectful disagreement… followed by a pint or two!”
An Edinburgh Labour Students spokesperson said the group “rejects any claim” that the decision not to invite Reform to cross-party events is an attack on free speech, and the position “is not about silencing them, but about upholding our own values and ensuring that [Edinburgh Labour Students] remains a safe and inclusive space.”
Founded in July this year, the Edinburgh Reform Society says it does not care about an individual’s “race, ethnicity or orientation” but whether they “share the values of this country.”
The society describes itself as a group of “patriotic” students from Edinburgh’s four universities who “want to save Britain.”
Reform UK, currently polling as the second most popular political party in Scotland and the favourite among the wider UK electorate, says that if it gets into government it will introduce a “Comprehensive Free Speech Bill” within its first 100 days.
A University of Edinburgh spokesperson told The Student: “The University is unwavering in its commitment to upholding freedom of expression and academic freedom, and facilitating an environment where students and staff can discuss challenging topics with no inhibition of academic debate.
“Given the size of our community it is inevitable that the ideas of different members will conflict. We encourage respectful debate and discussion whenever there are differences of view or opinion.”
The University of Edinburgh Students’ Association has been contacted for comment.
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