A new political society linked to Reform UK is facing strong reactions from students and has prompted renewed debate around free speech, inclusion, and political organising on campus.
Approved earlier this term as an affiliated Students’ Union society, the new Reform Society describes itself as a student-run political organisation intended to facilitate discussion and debate around the ideas and policies associated with Reform UK.
But the society is already facing significant opposition, particularly on social media, where students have raised concerns about the implications of its presence at Sussex. An Instagram post relating to the society has attracted more than 1,000 comments, many of which are critical of the decision to approve it.
“At odds with who we are as a University”
Several students told The Badger that the society’s formation feels incompatible with Sussex’s reputation as an inclusive and progressive institution. One student said they were “outraged and sickened that such a society came to Sussex”, while other students told The Badger they questioned how the society aligns with the Students’ Union’s stated commitments to equality, diversity, and student wellbeing.
Green Party Groups Condemn Society
On 21 January, Brighton and Hove Young Greens, alongside the Green Party societies at the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, issued a joint statement condemning the formation of the society and its planned presence at the Refreshers Fair on 29 January.
The groups urged strong student-led opposition to what they described as “dangerous, hateful, and reactionary politics”. Their statement argued that “while differing political views should be tolerated on campus, welcoming discriminatory and aggressive views such as those demonstrated by Reform UK serves no purpose other than to increase tensions and stoke fear amongst students and staff”.
The statement also accused the party of what they described as “promoting transphobic and xenophobic rhetoric” and called on the Students’ Union to remain “highly vigilant” in monitoring the society’s activities.
Claims of Threats Raise Safety Concerns
Jack Eccles, President of Students for Reform, told The Badger that several student members of the society have received threats of physical violence alongside online abuse.
Mr Eccles said he would be writing to the University of Sussex to request formal investigations into the alleged threats, adding that threats of violence must be treated seriously and student safety guaranteed.
Reform Society Responds
Students for Reform provided The Badger with a statement outlining the society’s aims and principles.
“Disagreement with a political party… should be expressed through open debate, peaceful protest and democratic procedures, not through attempts to silence or intimidate others”, the society said.
The society added that “affiliation does not amount to endorsement by the University or the Students’ Union” and said it “should be judged on its conduct rather than assumptions about its members”.
Students’ Union Response
The Students’ Union said it recognises the concern caused by recent online discussion and reaffirmed that student safety, wellbeing, and inclusion remain central to its work.
In a statement, the SU said it is “required by law to remain politically neutral… and cannot endorse or oppose any political parties”.
The Union confirmed that all societies must adhere to the same Code of Conduct. It reiterated its commitment to challenging discrimination in all forms, including homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, xenophobia, and racism.
The SU encourages students affected by the issue to access support services or speak directly with Union representatives.
A Wider Campus Debate
The dispute surrounding Students for Reform reflects ongoing debates across UK universities about how freedom of speech is balanced with inclusion and student safety. At Sussex, the controversy has raised questions about the responsibilities of student societies and the Students’ Union, and how political disagreement is managed in practice.
The Badger will continue to report on developments as further information becomes available.