CUSU Council condemns Willetts action, but stays silent on the Occupation
At an extra-ordinary meeting of CUSU Council today, members voted to disassociate themselves from CDE’s action at the lecture by David Willetts, but still has no position on the Occupation of Lady Mitchell Hall
CUSU Council have officially condemned the actions of activists from Cambridge Defend Education (CDE) when they disrupted a talk by David Willetts on Tuesday night.
They did not, however, make any comment on the occupation of the lecture theatre which occured after the talk, since members of the Council felt that they had to consult with their members before making a decision. A motion supporting the Occupation will debated at another meeting of the Council within the next 72 hours.
The motion that was eventually passed instructed CUSU "To condemn the actions which prevented students hearing and questioining David Willetts," and to "disassociate CUSU from these actions of Cambridge Defend Education." The words "these actions" had been added in amendment.
The University Council has also released a statement "express[ing] its deep regret that the actions of a small group of protestors prevented [Willetts from giving his lecture]." CDE have responded on their website by attempting to distance the Occupation from the protest at Willetts' speak, and inviting "all those who wish to oppose the White Paper and support the 30 November strikes to join us in organising towards these ends, regardless of opinion on the Willetts interruption."
News / 27% of Cantabs have parents who attended Oxbridge
13 June 2025News / Downing’s rugby team apologises over ‘inexcusable’ social media post
12 June 2025News / 2025: The death of the May Ball?
13 June 2025Comment / Why Cambridge needs college chapels
11 June 2025Features / Vintage Varsity: May Ball edition
13 June 2025