Students who support Reform UK have set up a society in Edinburgh, welcoming “Patriotic Edinburgh university students who want to save Britain.” The society spans the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University and Queen Margaret University.
According to the Edinburgh Reform Society’s Instagram page, they are welcoming members who share their interest in politics and the values of Reform UK, regardless of “race, ethnicity or orientation,” although these values are not specified on their page.
EUSA have confirmed that the Reform Society is not affiliated with them, nor have they applied to be.
The manifesto of Reform UK, fronted by Nigel Farage, blames “‘woke’ ideology in public institutions,” as well as the failings of Labour and Conservative governments, for social and economic issues in the UK.
Immigration, multiculturalism and “transgender indoctrination” are also stated as key issues for Reform UK, who say that through “common sense,” they will “stand up for British culture, identity and values.”
The society is planning events in connection with Scotland’s only Reform UK MSP, Graham Simpson, who defected from the Conservative Party in August.
Other students on campus are “deeply concerned” about the Reform society’s place on campus, with a cross-party statement from Edinburgh University Liberal Association, Edi Uni Greens Society, Edinburgh Labour Students, and the Edinburgh Uni YES Society, stating that Reform UK will not be invited to their collaborative events. This is due to Reform UK spreading “misinformation designed to stoke fear and hatred.”
The Student spoke to Rory Young, President of the Edinburgh Uni Yes Society, who reiterated that: “numerous members have expressed grave concern. We are unwavering in our belief that the Reform society has no place on a modern, progressive university campus.”
One fourth-year Politics student said: “A Reform UK society sets a dangerous precedent on campus. We cannot keep allowing these voices that want to ridicule and oppress marginalised people and their rights.”
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice, said 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.”
The Edinburgh Reform Society was approached for comment but did not respond.
“Nigel Farage (45718080574) (cropped)” by Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.