Several British universities are facing scrutiny after student societies expressed supportive views on the recent attacks by Hamas in Israel, following a warning from the Home Secretary of legal consequences for those supporting the banned group.
Universities including Sussex, Soas, Warwick, University College London, and Queen Mary University of London, have launched investigations into the statements made by their respective student societies.
These incidents come after Suella Braverman stated that she expected police to “use the full force of the law” on anyone who displayed support for Hamas in the wake of the attacks.
One pro-Palestinian group from Queen Mary University of London wrote on Instagram: “You cannot be safe as a trespasser. You only have the right to give back the person’s home.”
Women’s Officer Hails Hamas ‘Victory’
Speaking in Brighton, Hanin Barghouti, the women’s officer at Sussex University’s student union, openly endorsed Hamas’s attacks, hailing them as “a victory.”Sussex University released a statement saying: “We have received a complaint about a Sussex student expressing views on the recent attacks by Hamas in Israel.
“The university is currently seeking to establish the facts, and, if necessary, will take action in line with our policies and the law.”
Similarly, Ellie Gomersall, the president of the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland, faced criticism for reposting messages justifying Hamas’s actions.
Ms. Gomersall posted a statement today on her social media apologising.
She said: “I shared content last night that I deeply regret sharing. In doing so I promoted hate and division. I shouldn’t have. I have deleted it.”
In contrast, some student societies, such as the University of East Anglia’s, emphasised the separation between individuals and political entities, urging against holding entire communities accountable for the actions of specific groups.
A spokesperson for the University of East Anglia stated: “It is worth remembering that Jewish people are not responsible for the Israeli government and Palestinian people are not responsible for the actions of Hamas. No one in our UEA community is accountable for these actions, and they should not be held responsible.”
Cambridge University faced an internal outcry as nearly 100 Jewish and Israeli students and academics called for the university to condemn the attacks in Israel. In response, Bhaskar Vira, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor, expressed solidarity with all affected parties, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
Braverman Warns Police Chiefs
Following Hamas’s terrorist attacks, government officials have emphasised the importance of safeguarding the Jewish community in the UK. Ms. Braverman cautioned police chiefs, stating that displaying a Palestinian flag on British streets might be considered illegitimate if interpreted as endorsing acts of terrorism.The Home Secretary’s stern warning has prompted varied reactions among students, sparking debates about freedom of expression and responsible discourse on campuses.
Ms. Braverman suggested that violence in the Middle East had previously been used “as a pretext to stir up hatred against British Jews.”
She added that there is an “obvious risk this pattern will be repeated during the current conflict.”
While the UK and the United States have staunchly supported Israel, international concerns have arisen, especially within the UN, regarding the impact on civilians due to ongoing air strikes in Gaza. The conflict has tragically resulted in a death toll exceeding 2,100 on both sides, heightening fears of further escalation.
Meanwhile, Labour MP Apsana Begum’s public association with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) drew criticism in the immediate aftermath of Hamas’s attacks. Ms Begum appeared at an event during the Labour conference in Liverpool over the weekend.
Some members of the Conservative party called for immediate action, expressing concerns about anti-Semitic rhetoric within the Labour party.
Greg Hands, the Tory Chairman, wrote to Labour saying: “The Jewish community has expressed valid concerns about anti-Semitism within the party in the past.
“Failing to take immediate and decisive action against a Labour MP associated with an organisation known for its anti-Semitic rhetoric could further erode trust and support within this community.
“I urge you to take swift action by suspending the MP in question and remove the PSC from Labour conference.”
However, a Labour spokesperson clarified that PSC was not a proscribed organisation, thereby dismissing the calls for disciplinary measures against Begum.
