Cambridge University has initiated contact with Reform UK, driven by apprehensions that a future government led by Nigel Farage could implement significant funding cuts to Britain's elite educational institutions.
Trump-Style Crackdown Feared
Professor Deborah Prentice, the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University, has expressed serious concerns that the party is considering a Trump-inspired crackdown on top universities. She revealed that Russell Group universities have been 'meeting with key people from Reform' and confirmed that Cambridge has also had representatives involved in similar discussions.
Professor Prentice stated it is 'very clear' that Mr Farage is drawing inspiration from the administration of former US President Donald Trump, which has previously withheld federal funds from universities embroiled in political disputes over issues like immigration and free speech.
Office for Students Under Threat
The comments were made during a meeting of the university's main decision-making body, the council. Professor Prentice disclosed that a Reform official recently told other vice-chancellors the party would 'get rid' of the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator for higher education in England.
While the OfS is responsible for policing university standards, it has also faced accusations of pursuing a 'woke' agenda through its promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) initiatives. Remarking on the potential demise of the OfS, Professor Prentice joked that 'The crowd had to suppress some cheer', but cautioned that the US example shows the need to worry about what might replace it.
Sector-Wide Concerns Over Reform's Policies
The leaked comments, first reported by the Sunday Times, were in response to apparent concern from council members about a potential Trump-style backlash against universities. Professor Prentice told the council that discussions with Reform are happening now because 'they've made it very, very clear that any consultations are happening now'.
She suggested a dedicated session at the governing body's March away day to consider the implications of a Reform government for higher education. This proactive approach highlights the sector's growing unease.
Nigel Farage has a history of criticising universities, having repeatedly accused them of harbouring a 'huge left-wing bias'. In 2019, he claimed 'young people's minds' were 'being poisoned against the idea of sensible border controls'. During the last election campaign, he vowed to 'cut funding to universities that undermine free speech'.
The parallels with the US situation are stark. Many top American universities, including Harvard, Brown, Columbia and Cornell, have entered into deals with the Trump administration or are in negotiations after he froze federal funds and research grants.
Baron Smith of Finsbury, the Chancellor of Cambridge University, has previously voiced his worry, stating that if Reform gains power, 'we may see the same phenomenon happen here in the UK'. The peer expressed concern that 'populism is always driven by a wish to kick the elite'.
A university spokesman commented last night: 'It's entirely usual for large organisations to be discussing current affairs.' This engagement underscores the serious preparatory work underway within the UK's leading universities as the political landscape evolves.
