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Tory student group apologises after footage shows members dancing to Nazi song
The students sang and danced to Erika - a song that was used by the armed forces of Nazi Germany
July 1, 2024 09:59
The students sang and danced to Erika - a song that was used by the armed forces of Nazi Germany
July 1, 2024 09:59The University of Warwick Conservative Association has issued an apology after students allegedly danced to a Nazi song at an annual black-tie dinner.
Footage obtained by the Sunday Times, taken at a UWCA chairman's dinner two weeks ago, showed people singing Erika – a song that was used by the armed forces of Nazi Germany.
EXCL 🚨 Tory student group held black-tie dinner two weeks ago where members sang German marching song used by the Nazis in WW2
— Gabriel Pogrund (@Gabriel_Pogrund) June 30, 2024
Warwick Uni Conservative Association sorry after dancing to “Erika” — used by SS and Wermacht and today white supremacists https://t.co/ZdQvhgFvBd pic.twitter.com/9Qva9rUqqP
The UWCA said it “condemned the behaviour exhibited during this video and apologises for any offence that has been caused'.
It added: “The song Erika was playing for a brief period. Once we became aware of the song being played and what it represents, an exec member spoke to the DJ, and it was immediately turned off.
“We have subsequently found that the song was requested by a lone member directly to the DJ. We stress that it was not included in the preplanned music selection handed to the DJ.”
The association insisted – apparently in response to comments online – the video was not evidence of a deeper "toxic society" that "normalises racism".
The group said its members have "consistently campaigned against antisemitism on campus, including campaigning to disaffiliate Warwick Student's Union from the National Union of Students over its failure to deal with antisemitism.
"Our members have also worked hard to ensure the Students Union commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day in a fitting way.
"We are proud of these efforts and will continue to stand against discrimination."
The Union of Jewish Students slammed the "utterly abhorrent" scenes in the clip.
UJS called on the Conservative Party to challenge the "blatant and unchallenged support for Nazism."
“Glorification of the Nazis has no place in our society, especially on campus… We expect swift and decisive action from the University of Warwick and the Conservative Party.” https://t.co/GV4rIrs9oW pic.twitter.com/TKMxkIjEpz
— Union of Jewish Students (@UJS_UK) June 30, 2024
A spokesperson for the Conservative Party said: “There is no place for racism in the Conservative Party and we will always ensure appropriate action is taken against any member who acts in ways that are not in accordance with our values of tolerance and respect.”
The party said the student group was not connected to it.
A spokesperson for Warwick University said: "We have been made aware of this video and the allegations surrounding it, which are extremely troubling.
"Behaviour like this is reprehensible and we are disappointed to see our students involved.
"The university is reviewing the material disclosed to us via our reporting service and has notified the Student's Union.
"We have requested a meeting with the Jewish Society to assist with our review."