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Southampton University cancels anti-Israel conference over 'safety concerns'

April 2, 2015 08:30
southampton university

By

Naomi Firsht,

Naomi Firsht

2 min read

Southampton University has confirmed it has cancelled a conference challenging Israel's right to exist, citing police concerns over safety.

A statement published on the university website officially withdrew permission for the conference to take place on the campus.

The statement said: “It has now become clear that the foreseeable risks to safety and public order at and near the conference venue have surpassed any practical mitigation that the University can put in place. Under the circumstances the University is obliged to withdraw permission for the conference and is following the processes set out in its Code of Practice.”

“This was not an easy decision. It was made on the basis of information from the police who say, it is probable there will be a high number of demonstrators at the event, the consequences of which could lead to incidents of public disorder, and a full assessment of the University’s ability to manage these threats to individual safety and public order. It has been made after full consultation and with the unanimous endorsement of the University Council and the University Academic Executive.”