Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the statement by Palestine Action activist Samuel Corner, who was convicted of criminal damage and inflicting grievous bodily harm, that he had been inspired by the Gaza protest encampment at Oxford University, what steps they are taking to ensure that university students are not becoming terrorists or being drawn into criminal activity.

The government is clear that terrorism, antisemitic abuse and criminal activity have no place on campuses.

Higher education providers are subject to the Prevent duty, which requires them to have due regard to preventing people from being drawn into terrorism. This includes identifying individuals vulnerable to radicalisation and ensuring appropriate risk assessment and mitigation measures are in place.

Universities work closely with partners, including the police and statutory agencies, where concerns arise about unlawful activity or terrorism-related risks. Encouraging or supporting terrorism, fundraising for terrorist purposes, or promoting proscribed organisations are serious criminal offences and will not be tolerated.

The government is strengthening oversight of compliance with the Prevent duty and taking broader action to tackle antisemitism and extremism. This includes updating guidance on external speakers and events, greater focus on disruptions work, strengthening whistleblowing protections, and increasing transparency around incidents of antisemitism and other forms of harassment on campus.