The following is the full text of the statement released by Cambridge Defend Education on Wednesday, December 1st.

We, the occupiers of Old Schools, have contacted the Vice-Chancellor Leszek Borysiewicz, and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors of the University of Cambridge, re-issuing our demands and are awaiting a response later today. Claims of the university that they have entered into negotiations are false. In failing to do so they have not only ignored us, the occupiers, but also the appeal by over 230 Cambridge academics that they take note of our demands.

The students occupying the Old Schools said in a letter to University management:

"We will take any failure to reply by 2.30pm as an indication of your refusal to negotiate."

The demands issued are as follows:

1. That the University completely oppose the increase in fees, fight against it and fight against all cuts to education, and use its influence to oppose the spending review’s threat to education, welfare, health, and other public services.

2. That the University use its influence to fight for free education for all.

3. That the University acknowledge and take steps to combat the systemic inequality of access to this elitist institution and the danger of its intensification posed by the scrapping of EMA, a rise in tuition fees and removal of programs such as Aim Higher.

4. That the University declare it will never privatise.

5. That the University commit to ensure the autonomy of education from corporate interests.

6. That the University recognise UCU (University & College Union). We urge post-graduates, academics and all university staff to unionise.

7. That the University ensure that no students who take part in any form of peaceful protest will face disciplinary action.

These demands not only have the support of the occupiers but that of 700 members of the international community, including prominent linguist and political thinker Noam Chomsky. In Cambridge we have expressions of support from numerous college student’s unions, King’s College Council, and countless sixth formers, school students and members of the public, who have continuously rallied against fess and cuts as part of a national movement.

Old Schools is now in its sixth day of occupation, having held control of the Senior Combination Room since Friday morning. The University immediately sought legal means to eject the occupiers, without any attempt to first engage on reasonable terms. Despite this the occupation has remained strong and kept free access in and out of the building. We will continue to hold Old Schools; we will continue to protest.