Key Points
- University of Manchester Students’ Union (SU) Executive Officers issued a statement condemning Reform UK for “fascistic rhetoric and disinformation”.
- SU execs reaffirmed support for migrant and international students, declaring themselves “firmly against discrimination including racism and xenophobia”.
- Reform UK described as “a private company founded by the ultra-wealthy […] intent on reproducing hate, inequality and brutality”, compared to the “MAGA regime in the United States”.
- Previous Conservative government blamed for “attempts to introduce hate onto campuses” via the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.
- Current Labour government criticised for not repealing the 2023 Act.
- Act allegedly protects groups like the new ‘Students for Reform Manchester’ society, which is affiliated but not endorsed by SU, per Education Act 1994.
- SU highlighted support for international students and involvement in “the Students’ Unions on the Mosaic project”.
- Students for Reform Manchester, present at Refreshers’ Fair on 3 February 2026, called the statement “entirely expected”, rejected “fascism” accusations, and invited debate.
- Reform UK leads national polls and campaigns in the Gorton and Denton by-election on “stop illegal immigration” and “put the British people first”.
- SU declined further comment.
University of Manchester (Manchester Mirror) February 04, 2026 – Executive Officers of the University of Manchester Students’ Union have strongly condemned Reform UK’s “fascistic rhetoric and disinformation” in an official statement released amid tensions at the Refreshers’ Fair. The statement, issued on behalf of the elected Executive Officer Team, confirms unwavering support for migrant students and positions the Union firmly against discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. This outburst follows the presence of the newly formed Students for Reform Manchester society , during the first week of semester two.
What Sparked the SU Execs’ Condemnation of Reform UK?
The controversy erupted as the Students for Reform Manchester society set up a stall at the Refreshers’ Fair, an event welcoming students back for the new term. According to the University of Manchester Students’ Union’s official statement, the Executive Officers view Reform UK as “a private company founded by the ultra-wealthy […] intent on reproducing hate, inequality and brutality”. As detailed in the Union’s release, they drew direct comparisons between Reform UK and the “MAGA regime in the United States”, accusing the party of promoting divisive ideologies.
The SU execs did not hold back in their critique. The statement explicitly labels Reform UK’s approach as steeped in “fascistic rhetoric and disinformation”, a charge that underscores the Officers’ commitment to fostering an inclusive campus environment. This position aligns with their broader pledge to stand “firmly against discrimination including racism and xenophobia”, particularly in defence of migrant students who form a significant part of the University’s diverse community.
How Does the Higher Education Act Factor into the Row?
A key target of the SU’s ire is the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which the Officers allege was designed to shield groups like Students for Reform Manchester. As reported directly from the Union’s statement, the previous Conservative government bears responsibility for “attempts to introduce hate onto campuses across the UK” through this legislation. The Act, which mandates universities to protect lawful free speech, is seen by the execs as enabling controversial political voices on campus.
Criticism extends to the current Labour government, accused of failing to repeal the Act despite promises of progressive reform. “The current Labour government is also at fault for allowing the Act to remain in place,” the statement notes, highlighting ongoing frustration with Whitehall’s approach to higher education policy. This legislative backdrop has fuelled the SU’s determination to distance itself from affiliated societies whose views it does not endorse.
What Is the SU’s Stance on Students for Reform Manchester?
Despite the society’s formal affiliation with the Students’ Union, the Executive Officers were clear: they do not “endorse” its views. Citing the Education Act 1994, which governs students’ unions and their obligations, the statement reaffirms the Union’s independence in political matters. “They confirmed that despite the society’s affiliation with the Students’ Union, they do not ‘endorse’ its views, in accordance with the Education Act 1994,” the release specifies.
The SU also emphasised its proactive support for international students, pointing to participation in “the Students’ Unions on the Mosaic project”. This initiative, aimed at enhancing intercultural dialogue and support networks, underscores the Union’s contrasting vision of campus life. By invoking these efforts, the execs positioned their condemnation as part of a wider commitment to inclusivity.
What Was Students for Reform Manchester’s Response?
When approached for comment at the Refreshers’ Fair on 3 February, representatives from Students for Reform Manchester dismissed the SU statement as predictable. “The membership of this Union Officers team is very far left and has always been very far left,” they responded, according to reports from the event. “We urgently reject any accusations of fascism. We do not accept the title of far right.”
The society extended an open invitation for dialogue: “We encouraged anyone ‘wishing to debate [their] rhetoric’ to reach out to them.” This measured rebuttal highlights a desire to engage rather than escalate, even as the SU’s rhetoric sharpened the divide. Their presence at the Fair, drawing attention during a high-traffic student event, amplified the story’s visibility.
Why Is Reform UK Leading National Polls Now?
Reform UK’s rising prominence provides critical context to the campus clash. Currently topping national polls for the general election, as tracked by YouGov, the party has gained traction on issues like immigration. In the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, Reform UK is campaigning aggressively with pledges to “stop illegal immigration” and “put the British people first”.
These platforms resonate amid broader national debates, positioning Reform as a challenger to the establishment parties. The SU’s statement arrives at a moment when the party’s influence is peaking, making the University of Manchester’s rebuke particularly noteworthy. Polling data from YouGov confirms Reform UK’s lead, with voting intention trackers showing sustained momentum into early 2026.
What Broader Implications Does This Hold for Campuses?
The spat illuminates deeper tensions between free speech protections and anti-discrimination efforts on UK campuses. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, still in force under Labour, continues to stir debate. SU execs argue it legitimises “hate” by safeguarding societies like Students for Reform Manchester, while the society itself champions open discourse.
This episode at the University of Manchester echoes wider national fault lines. With Reform UK eyeing electoral gains in areas like Gorton and Denton, student politics may increasingly mirror parliamentary battles. The Union’s refusal to endorse the society, grounded in the Education Act 1994, reinforces boundaries on affiliation versus alignment.
The Refreshers’ Fair, typically a celebratory start to term, became an unlikely flashpoint. Held on 3 February 2026, it hosted the society’s stall amid the first week of semester two bustle. SU officers’ swift statement sought to reclaim the narrative, prioritising migrant and international student welfare.
How Does the SU Support Migrant Students?
Central to the statement is a robust defence of migrant students. “Confirming their support for migrant students,” the Union declared itself “firmly against discrimination including racism and xenophobia”. This stance extends to international cohorts, bolstered by Mosaic project involvement—a collaborative effort among students’ unions to promote multiculturalism.
Such commitments are vital at a research powerhouse like the University of Manchester, where global talent thrives. By publicly rebuking Reform UK, the execs signal zero tolerance for rhetoric perceived as exclusionary. The statement’s timing, post-Fair, maximises its reach among freshers navigating political undercurrents.
What Next for Reform UK on Campus?
As Reform UK surges in polls, expect more society chapters testing campus free speech limits. Students for Reform Manchester’s debut at Refreshers’ Fair marks an early skirmish. Their call for debate could foster dialogue—or deepen rifts.
The University of Manchester Students’ Union, when approached, “declined to make any additional comment”. This reticence leaves the statement as the definitive Union voice. With Gorton and Denton looming, the by-election’s immigration focus may reverberate back to Manchester’s lecture halls.
In a polarized landscape, the execs’ words—“fascistic rhetoric”—cut sharply. Yet the society’s retort frames it as left-wing overreach. Neutral observers note both sides invoke law: SU via 1994 Act duties, society via 2023 speech freedoms.
This story, unfolding in Manchester’s vibrant student milieu, encapsulates Britain’s culture wars. From Refreshers’ Fair stalls to national polls, it charts how politics infiltrates academia. As semester two unfolds, watch for further exchanges.
