The students are revolting...

Quite a fuss is occurring down on the south coast where students at Sussex have shown that our next generation might have some hope in them (for our future), after all.

What do we mean by this? Well, the students at Sussex have come over all militant in protests at cuts to courses, support services and staff.

And last week, the students stormed and occupied a building. So the cops were called. And everything went a bit yucky, apparently. Here's the background to what happened next. Sounds very yucky indeed.

This is quite an audacious step up from what they were doing at Sussex a couple of years ago, when they simply refused to leave the library.

How times change.

Now, the academic institution is getting High Court injunctions against students, apparently.

Seems, however, that the students are being backed far and wide - the Green Party (hoping to do very well at elections in their stronghold of Brighton), socialists (eek!) and others from around the world are lending the students their solidarity.

The latest events have led the UCU union at Sussex to write: "The union understands that occupations are a form of protest, with a long tradition, undertaken by students in many institutions both in this country and internationally. We believe that dialogue and patience should always be the initial response of the institution, reflecting the values of constructive discourse and informed political debate unless there is an immediate and realistic threat of physical harm. The union fully supports and defends the right of lawful protest. We further believe that the summary suspension of students is a disproportionate response, serving to inflict significant harm to the education of the students concerned and restricting their civil liberties. We urge the Vice Chancellor to lift the suspensions with immediate effect so as to enable the students to continue their studies and to exercise their human rights; and to expedite any disciplinary procedures that may be pending."

Anyway, this is one you won't hear on much of the national news. But we're quite happy to help spread the word when our young adults get up off their bottoms and stand up for what they believe in.

It's a shame some of us with a bit more life experience who really should say 'enough is enough' seemingly can't be bothered to stick our heads above the parapet any more.

We couldn't move on from this story without a quick reference to Labour Party manifestos and promises. Now, how did the Labour Party anger students again? What particular promise did they break there?

One almost feels another 'Are you remembering what I'm remembering?' post coming on...