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The Debating and Political Society at Bangor University, located in Wales, recently refused to allow two prominent right-wing speakers from conducting a live Q&A session with students, stating to do so would allow “hate” on campus.
Reform UK, a successor of the Brexit party, touts immigration controls, tax cuts, and deregulation.
The proposed event included a Q&A session from Sarah Pochin, a Reform UK member of Parliament, as well as Jack Anderton, a political campaigner focused on issues including housing and immigration, as part of Anderton’s A New Dawn Tour.
However, the Bangor Debating and Political Society refused their request in mid-February.
“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,” the society responded, as reported by Andrew Doyle.
The society also openly stated it is “proud to be the first of the debating unions to take a stand against Reform UK” and is “keeping hate out of our universities.”
Free speech issues are no stranger to the United Kingdom, where data suggests about 30 people are arrested for free speech violations every day, according to several reports.
The society’s refusal to debate prompted backlash.
“Bangor receives £30 million in state funding a year, much of which comes from Reform-voting taxpayers,” Zia Yusuf, the party’s home affairs spokesman, posted on X. “I am sure they won’t mind losing every penny of that state funding under a Reform government.”
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, posted on X: “Simple. In line with our values, if Bangor Uni does not believe in free speech, then British taxpayers should not have to fund them. Perhaps remove all government funding and no student loans for Bangor students.”
Anderton issued a response alongside MP Pochin on X, describing the irony of a debating society that refuses to debate, adding “free speech is under attack” and calling out the universities that “are really not doing their duty in protecting free speech for students and the wider public.”
Pochin also released a segment of her appearance on GB News, dismissing the claims of racism, homophobia, and transphobia the society attributed to her, while also calling for a healthier environment for productive debate.
Shortly after the announcement, the Bangor Student’s Union responded, writing that the decision was made solely by the society and the union was not involved. It noted that “As a registered charity, Bangor Students’ Union remains politically neutral and supports freedom of speech within the law.”
The College Fix reached out to Pochin, Anderton, Bangor University, and the Bangor Debate and Political Society, but did not receive a response.
The Debating and Political Society was established in 1849 as a home for education and entertainment through debate. Today, the society states online that it continues to be “the home for students who love to challenge ideas, explore diverse perspectives, and master the art of persuasion” and “offers a dynamic and inclusive environment for you to grow.”
Past club debates focused on a wide range of topics including artificial intelligence, pornography, feminism, and colonialism, with upcoming events discussing pubs, modern slavery, and fascism.
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