SU Execs blast ReformUK's 'fascistic rhetoric' during Refreshers Fair

On 3 February, the University of Manchester Students’ Union released a statement on behalf of its elected Executive Officers condemning the Reform Party for their “fascistic rhetoric and disinformation”, and confirming their support for migrant students, stating that they are “firmly against discrimination including racism and xenophobia.”

According to the Executive Officer Team, they view the party as "a private company founded by the ultra-wealthy […] intent on reproducing hate, inequality and brutality," drawing direct comparisons between Reform and the "MAGA regime in the United States."

The Executive Officers went on to add that the previous Conservative government is also responsible for "attempts to introduce hate onto campuses across the UK" through the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. They add that the current Labour government is also at fault for allowing the Act to remain in place.

Moreover, the Officers allege that the Act was passed with the intention of protecting groups like the recently created society 'Students for Reform Manchester'. The Officers confirmed that despite the society’s affiliation with the Students’ Union, they do not "endorse" its views, in accordance with the Education Act 1994.

They also highlighted their support for international students, and the participation of "the Students' Unions on the Mosaic project".

When asked for comment, the Students for Reform Manchester society, in attendance at the Refreshers Fair on 3 February during the first week of semester two,  called the statement entirely expected.

"The membership of this Union Officers team is very far left and has always been very far left. We urgently reject any accusations of fascism. We do not accept the title of far right." They encouraged anyone "wishing to debate [their] rhetoric" to reach out to them.

Reform UK is currently leading national polls for the general election, and are campaigning in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election with promises to "stop illegal immigration" and "put the British people first."

The University of Manchester Students' Union declined to make any additional comment.

Saffron Hibbert @ The Mancunion