Fury as woke university BANS British Army from attending its freshers’ fair: Bristol student union’s decision to bar Officers’ Training Corps is branded ‘absurd’ by UK Defence Secretary

• The SU judged the OTC’s offer was ‘very similar’ to other student groups
• But critics feel the Union is ‘imposing its anti-military views’ with the decision

The Defence Secretary has snapped back at Bristol’s Student Union after a controversial decision to ban an army-affiliated group from attending the university’s freshers’ fair.

Grant Shapps said the decision to turn away the Officers’ Training Corps was ‘absurd and indefensible’, claiming it would ‘deprive’ students of opportunities to ‘gain new experiences, develop valuable skills and have amazing adventures’.

The OTC offers students the chance to complete Reserve Officer training around their degrees without pledging any commitment to join the Army upon graduation.

Students partake in leadership and training exercises which, the Army says, ‘provides a standard of experience and training that is well respected within the Army, and highly sought after by numerous civilian employers.’

In a statement, the Student Union said that the OTC was stopped from setting up a stand on Friday as, they felt, it would ‘compete’ with other ‘affiliated’ organisations’ at the event. 

According to the MoD: ‘Bristol UOTC fields competitive teams in many disciplines such as Rugby, Hockey, Netball, Football and much more.’

‘As an Officer Cadet you will be supported to try new sports and even compete at the highest levels in your chosen field.’

Some 13,000 students attended the welcome fair event on Friday, with more than 300 groups hosting stalls with information about memberships and upcoming events.

The event featured employment, volunteering and networking opportunities, according to the SU’s website.

The Union ultimately judged the OTC’s offer was ‘very similar to, and therefore in direct competition with, our affiliated student groups’.

Some have been critical of the decision to ban the group from the event. 

A defence source told The Telegraph that OTCs have ‘been known to be banned by student unions over the years. It’s not without precedent.’ 

‘Student unions tend to be quite Left-wing liberal, so OTCs aren’t always popular with the majority of the student body,’ they said. 

Abby Blackwell, 21, a member of Bristol’s OTC, said: ‘I’m so disappointed we’ve been banned from freshers’ fair.

‘The Students’ Union claims to be a place of open mindedness and inclusivity but it’s not. 

‘They’re imposing their anti-military views on their students.’

A general view of Bristol University and the Wills Memorial Building on May 31, 2009

The OTC offers students the chance to complete Reserve Officer training around their degrees without pledging any commitment to join the Army upon graduation

Image shows OTC officer cadets. Bristol University elected not to allow representatives from Bristol OTC to attend the welcome week event on Friday

A spokesperson for Bristol University said: ‘We respect our students’ right to raise concerns about issues they feel strongly about and we will continue to listen to and engage with their views.’ 

MailOnline contacted Bristol SU for further comment. 

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