Two protestors unveiled a banner in the Union on thursday during the debate on higher education which read ‘Fuck You Willetts (And Made In Chelsea Is Shit Too)’ during a speech by David Willets, the Minister of State for Universities and Science.
The banner was unveiled from the upper balcony, and was accompanied by chanting by the two protestors, who shouted “David Willetts, get out, we know what you’re all about” and “Cuts, job losses, money for the bosses”.
The motion being debated in the Union was “This House Believes University Education is a Right not a Privilege”, a motion which David Willetts was arguing in favour of, whilst the Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews was arguing against the motion.
The two female protestors are reported to not be members of the Oxford Union. They were both removed from the chamber shortly after the banner was unveiled.
Twitter was quick to react:
Amy and Manishta became legends as they banner dropped David Willets at Oxford Union to angry Tarquin groans… pic.twitter.com/FiNTAZn2pY
— Matthew Smith (@MatthewSmth) October 31, 2013
Protesters storm the @OxfordUnion interrupting David Willets’ closing speech #educationdebate pic.twitter.com/V7UTkTSuEu
— Alys Key (@FashionMoriarty) October 31, 2013
Oxford Union is always good entertainment. This week, a huge banner offering profanities for the university secretary and security. Again.
— Liam Saddington (@Saddy_94) October 31, 2013
This protest followed a day-long protest in favour of the nationwide lecturer’s strike on Thursday which included a sit-in in the Examinations Schools, in protest against poor pay for academics and University staff. A small group of protestors also concentrated outside the Union gates before the debate.
