On Thursday 9th February, Turning Point UK set up a demonstration at the University of Reading. This demonstration focused on attacking the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Turning Point UK is a far-right extremist group, who should not be given a platform at any university. We are calling on our welcoming town to join us and take a stand against fascist groups who would seek to divide us.

Turning Point is an active society within Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU). RUSU has a Zero Tolerance Policy to discrimination in any form, this is now the time to reinforce it. The University of Reading states that “no one should experience inequality as a result of who they are”. It is their responsibility to ensure that trans students, along with all students, are protected from danger.

Allowing Turning Point UK to operate and host demonstrations on campus, is allowing the far right to fester among our community.

As a community, we have faced the consequences of hatred in the form of the Forbury Garden attack. It’s horrific to see that during LGBTQ+ history month, people who are spreading fear and hatred have been given a platform.

We are calling on RUSU to disband Turning Point UK as a society, and issue a statement condemning their views.

We also ask the University of Reading to consider formal action and reaffirm their support to the LGBT community, who deserve a safe place on campus.