UCU condemns Gove extremism plans

UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: 'It is scandalous that the government is trying to shut down protests against an ongoing genocide in Gaza, in which the UK is implicated, by creating a spurious definition of extremism. This new definition has no place on campuses where new ideas need to be put forward and explored, without students and staff facing inaccurate and unhelpful extremism labels.

'Any moves to stifle lawful and legitimate views represent a worrying shift towards authoritarianism.

'The recent actions of Michelle Donelan are a cautionary example of what can happen when careless and untrue accusations are thrown around in the name of the fight against extremism. This government should be doing more to bring communities together instead of increasing division and tension.'