We have received lots of concerns about the PPE Society event on Wednesday, and we wanted to let you know where we stand as Officers. As your SU Officer Team, we share your concerns over the PPE Society’s decision to invite George Finch, the Reform UK leader of Warwickshire County Council.

Their initial decision to prevent students to effectively hold him, his administration and his party to account due to pre-selected questions was unacceptable, and we are glad that PPE Society has listened to the widespread backlash to allow some form of free questioning.

We condemn Reform UK’s dangerous, far-right rhetoric about refugees and migrants, which has fuelled Islamophobia, and stand in solidarity with any students on campus affected by the rise in hate crimes. It is in direct opposition to Warwick SU’s values, and the mandates that we were elected on last year. We are proud to be at UKCISA’s International Institution of the Year, and on a diverse and multicultural campus. 

George Finch has mirrored Reform UK’s disgusting attacks on LGBTQ+ and Trans rights with a ridiculous row trying to remove a pride flag from Shire Hall. Warwick SU will always protect the rights of our LGBTQIA+ student community.

Although many students have contacted us with concerns, due to the Conservative government’s Freedom of Speech legislation, we are unable to take any action in this case.

As much as George Finch is allowed to be here and have a platform to exercise his freedom of speech, we would encourage our student body to exercise their equal right to freedom of speech to challenge Reform UK. We will defend students’ right to protest and challenge George Finch on his views, and support any students who choose to do so at the event.

Alijah Taha, President

Ananya Sreekumar, VP Education

James Varney, VP Democracy and Development

Ollie Chapman, VP Welfare and Campaigns

Adam Skrzymowski, VP Societies

Maanya Raju, VP Postgraduates

Harri Paget, Co-Disabled Students Officer

Ruby Deakin, Co-Disabled Students Officer

Helena Ratcliffe, Environment and Ethics Officer

Riann Mehta, Ethnic Minorities Officer

Jessie Yu, Co-LGBTQUIA+ Officer

Mattie Oke, Co-LGBTQUIA+ Officer

Lillian Dove, Trans Students’ Officer

Sihaam Hassan, Widening Participation Officer

Katie Todd, Women’s Officer

Vansh Agarwal, International Students’ Officer