Greens speak out against formation of Reform UK student group at University of Sussex

Brighton & Hove Young Greens, alongside the Green Party societies at the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, have spoken out against the formation of a ‘Students for Reform’ society at the University of Sussex and its presence at the university’s Refreshers Fair on 29 January.

In a joint statement, the groups said that “while it is right to tolerate differing views on campus”, they believe that welcoming organisations linked to Reform UK risks undermining the sense of safety and inclusion the university should foster. They argued that allowing the society to operate “serves no purpose other than to increase tensions and stoke fear amongst students and staff”.

The statement raises particular concern about Reform UK’s policy positions, especially on immigration. The groups claim that the party’s approach would “lead to an actively hostile environment for anyone from a minority background - and the thousands of international students who study at Sussex”.

They also questioned whether the presence of a Reform-affiliated society aligns with the Students’ Union’s stated values. According to the statement, “the presence of a Reform UK society at Sussex blatantly opposes the values that the Students Union claims to strive for, and jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of those who belong to groups discriminated against by this hateful party”.

The groups further argued that rhetoric associated with Reform UK has been “overwhelmingly transphobic and xenophobic”, and warned that promoting the society could place some students and staff at risk. They concluded that the Students’ Union “cannot guarantee the presence of a ‘safe space’ for students while this group holds a platform under it”.