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Bangor University has publicly clarified that it does not endorse the decision made by its student debating society to deny a question-and-answer session to Reform UK representatives. The Bangor Debating & Political Society declined a request from Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin and campaigner Jack Anderton, citing a strict stance against racism, transphobia, and homophobia allegedly associated with Reform UK members.
Zia Yusuf, head of policy for Reform UK, responded sharply to this refusal by threatening to withdraw £30 million in funding from Bangor University should a Reform government come into power. Yusuf condemned the society’s actions on social media, stating, “Bangor University have banned Reform and called us ‘racist, transphobic and homophobic’.” He pointed out that much of the university’s funding comes from taxpayers who support Reform UK, insinuating that the university would lose substantial financial backing if the party forms the government.
The student society defended its position robustly, emphasizing that their decision aligned with the values they uphold after 177 years of promoting what they consider “welcoming and fair debate.” They declared, “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,” and expressed pride in being the first debating union to take a stand against Reform UK. The society also urged other university groups to join them in rejecting what they described as hate within academic environments.
Meanwhile, Bangor University reiterated that the debating society operates independently under the Students’ Union, which was yet to comment officially on the matter. A university spokesperson highlighted that the statement made by the society reflected its views and not the institution’s policies, adding that the university “welcomes debate from across the political spectrum.” Reform UK figures, including Sarah Pochin and Jack Anderton, criticized the decision as an affront to free speech, with Anderton indicating plans to seek alternative ways to engage with Bangor students outside the debating society’s framework. Dan Thomas, leader of Reform Wales, further condemned the move, emphasizing the importance of free discussion within universities and pledging to protect these liberties on campuses
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