SUSSEX UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Early day motion 852, tabled 5 December 2013 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 13 members.

That this House calls on Professor Michael Farthing, Vice-Chancellor of Sussex University, to retract the suspension of five Sussex students which began on 4 December 2013 following protests against the outsourcing of the university's services to private companies and in support of striking staff campaigning for fair and equal pay; notes that the protest by the students was targeted at the private company involved in the outsourcing and did not disrupt the work of students or university staff; and urges the university's management to respond positively to the requests by students and staff for a meaningful dialogue rather than continue to intimidate and penalise those students who speak out against the university's current outsourcing and staffing policies.

Signatures by party: Labour 8, Plaid Cymru 2, Green 1, Independent 1, Respect 1.