On 1 February, students gathered in protest against Reform UK’s far-right policies on the night of the York Reform UK Society’s inaugural dinner.
The protest was sparked by the announcement that controversial Reform MP Richard Tice would be speaking at the event.
The protest against the Reform event lasted for several hours. Protesters were armed with signs which read “Stop Reform UK”, “Refugees welcome” and “Fascists f*ck off”. Loud chants of “power to the people” and “refugees are welcome here” were led by protest leaders.
Reform UK society members were visible through the large front window of the pub. A few members came out to film themselves in front of the shouting protesters, but the majority remained inside.
During the protest, Nouse spoke to Ben Ffrench, the York Green Party’s Policy Officer.
“We’re not going to stand for Reform playing divide and rule in our community, trying to demonise the vulnerable, trying to pick the wrong targets when there are billionaires and big businesses that are actually destroying our world.
We need to unite, we need to love our neighbour, we need to reach out to our communities, so I’m here to say there is a better way, and that’s not through false promises or easy answers, it’s through tough engagement and organising the people.”
Nouse approached a member of the Reform society to ask what they thought of the protest, to which they simply replied “It’s all in good jest”.
Theo Elliott, Media Officer for the York Reform Society, said that the Reform society were happy to work with other political parties. He said “I think it’s time people take us seriously, cease infantile behaviour like this [the protest] and stop trying to shut us down from having peaceful events.”
Following the protest, York Action for Student-Staff Solidarity released a statement calling for “a boycott of the Deramore Arms for its blatant hypocrisy” and questioning why the Students’ Union should allow the society to continue.
The statement continued: “Reform Society should know one thing : we will not tolerate racism, nor racist dog whistles in our community. We will not tolerate disrespect, and neither should other students.”
The York Reform Society gave the following statement to Nouse.
“Our view on the protest is that it was a gathering of very immature individuals with no respect for the local community. Of course freedom of speech and expression is vital, but this protest was utterly inconsiderate of the lovely locals of Heslington. However, we do add they made great entertainment while we awaited for Richard Tice to arrive.
There was a clear display of bias from some reporters caflling us “fascist” as well as lies regarding the amount of times we have changed venues. Nevertheless, we all had a fantastic time and Richard Tice very much enjoyed the whole night.”
“Finally, we would like to stress that leaving 1 star reviews on a local, independent pub is abhorrent. The staff at Deramore arms are the definition of hardworking, professional and accepting. They deserve 5 stars all round.”
York SU Activities Officer, Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb, shared the following statement regarding York Reform UK’s society ratification.
“We are happy to welcome Reform Society into our growing community of political societies on campus. As a nationally recognised political party, with growing membership in parliament, it makes sense that students’ are looking to form their own cohort here in York.
As per our standard processes, we reviewed the students’ application during a recent Society Committee meeting, giving due consideration to various contexts behind the Reform party, and how the group might fit within our campus political atmosphere. We also took into great consideration the group’s own awareness of potentially negative reactions from students, and their assurance that they shall seek to act in the “most responsible and caring way possible.” Reassured that this group would only add to the political diversity of our campus, the committee voted for Reform society to be ratified, and we look forward to supporting them as they begin activity on campus.
We hope that students continue to treat all political views with openness, as well as balance an utmost respect for the dignity, inclusivity and diversity of all people.”
Nouse have requested comment from Richard Tice.
