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UHUCU Branch Committee statement: Solidarity with Dr Lindsey German and other Palestine activists 

The UHUCU branch committee is very concerned that the Metropolitan Police has issued letters ordering Dr Lindsey German and other activists to attend formal interviews over their alleged role in the peaceful Palestine solidarity protest of 18 January 2025. Members will recall that Lindsey is a UHUCU member and formerly a UHUCU committee officer before stepping down last year. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Business School.

Amongst those also ordered to attend the formal interviews is Stephen Kapos, an 87-year-old Jewish Holocaust survivor. MPs Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell have been interviewed under caution. The protest’s chief steward Chris Nineham, recently awarded the Ron Todd Peace Prize, and Palestine Solidarity Campaign director Ben Jamal have already been charged with offences arising from the protest, as have many others. Chris Nineham was violently arrested on the day.

The police claim activists breached conditions imposed limiting the right to protest against Israel’s war in Gaza. But there is good reason to believe that this is an attempt to curtail the Palestine solidarity movement by harassing those involved and increasing restrictions on demonstrations. 

The Metropolitan Police should respect the right to protest and drop any proceedings over the peaceful protest of 18 January. We send our solidarity to Lindsey and all the Palestine activists affected. 

UHUCU Branch Committee

What is the University of Hertfordshire UCU branch?

The University and College Union is the recognised trade union and professional association for academics, lecturers, trainers, researchers and academic-related staff working in further and higher education throughout the UK.

Your local branch at the University of Hertfordshire represents its members, negotiates with management, and campaigns for better working conditions and pay. Read more about what we do.

Our key campaigns for 2024/25 are:

• after the appointment of the new Vice Chancellor, to resume negotiations for an Outer London/Hertfordshire salary weighting for all staff
• reform the EQUATE process for academic promotions to ensure equity and fair treatment
• build strength in union membership and representation across all Schools – join us!