Issue 129

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30th May 2001 Issue 129

GENERAL ELECTION

The three candidates for Selby interviewed

Politics

University of Yolk Photo: Tom Smithard

Vision catches John Grogan immediately after the attack -and below Frank Young with Tory candidate Michael Mitchell

Tom Smithard

A YORK first year has been slammed by politicians, University staff and students alike after a political stunt last Tuesday went horribly wrong. Frank Young, a Langwith student of Social Policy and Social Work, and Campus Conservatives Vice-Chair, has expressed his “Deep regret” after egging John Grogan, the Labour MP for the University, who is currently seeking re-election. According to Young, who has previously hit the headlines after demanding the Tories legalise cannabis at their Easter Conference, his motivations for the attack were fair. “Grogan is part of the Labour party which introduced tuition fees, meaning that many who can’t now afford higher education can not now attend university. Grogan lied to students – in 1997 he said he would oppose tuition fees, and then voted for them a few months later.” The action backfired somewhat, however. The plan for the evening had been for several members of the Campus Conservatives to egg Grogan together, after help in planning the attack from Labour Students moles and members of the SU. By the time the Egging Collective had found Grogan in Derwent Bar at 10:30pm, only Young remained courageous enough to make the attack. However, instead of throwing the egg at Grogan from a distance, Young, in the heat of the moment, slammed it onto Grogan’s head. After appearing slightly dazed, Grogan was led off by supporters whilst Young was detained by the Derwent porter. Grogan recovered quickly however. The next day he stated to Vision “I’m coming back tonight – in fact I’ve scheduled an extra four visits to the University which I see as a key area in the Selby constituency.” When asked on his opinions of Frank Young and the Campus Conservatives Grogan was more impassioned. “Frank highlights the extreme behaviour of the Tory party as it is. His extreme actions reveal the Tory’s extreme policies, such as the privatisation of universities. I’ve had a word with Michael Mitchell [the Tory candidate in Selby] and asked him to talk to the Campus Tories, and maybe even get Frank to pay my dry-cleaning bill.” On Young’s accusation that Grogan lied to students at the last election he was more circumspect, but did state that he thought “Frank has done a service to this election – hopefully students will now scrutinise the party manifestos and realise that Labour provide the best option.” After the incident, Young was forced to meet with Langwith Provost, Ron Clayton. Clayton told Vision that he had talked to Young and that “Frank and I agree that his actions were regrettable, and he has agreed to apologise for them. I don’t intend to punish him further. I wish he hadn’t protested as he did on University premises – I’m not in favour of such types of political discussions – but I am in favour of Frank utilising his right to pro-

test.” Others are not so forgiving. Rory Palmer, Internal Secretary of York Labour Students, does not believe his actions were justified. “Frank was not making a political point – his actions were intolerant thuggery. The Labour Party won’t be pursuing the matter, but only because we don’t want to give Frank the satisfaction.” As to whether Grogan lied to students over his support of tuition fees, Rory circumvents the question. “What John said last election occurred before I came to this University. Everything I have heard about the matter is from third parties. All I know is that John has definitely stated he will oppose top-up fees if they are ever debated, and was one of the first MPs to sign an Early Day Motion as to that effect.” Nick Toms, Chairman of the Campus Conservatives, is quick to distance the party from the actions of Young. “I don’t think his actions were defendable but his motives are. Some of the more closedminded members of campus may see this as the Tories up to their old tricks again, but most people will see this incident for what it is – just someone really angry and expressing that anger.” There has however been a new twist to the story. In a letter to Vision, Adam Hadley, the SU’s LGB Officer reveals that he was asked specifically by Frank Young not to egg Baroness Young when she arrives on campus later in the year, as reported in Vision last issue. He stated: “I feel this is double standards and feel personaly insulted… At least I can honestly say that I will not be attacking Baroness Young with anything other than my intellect.” Young’s response, to say the least, is unconventional. “I did ask Adam not to egg Baroness Young but I don’t believe this is double standards. This was not a physical attack but a political point. I took

“Grogan has to understand the anger and frustration of students who feel betrayed” Frank Young

a risk for my principles. Adam also has to decide if he wants to take that risk.” Commenting on the situation, Ben Youdan, SU President, recognises Young’s legitimate right to protest, but refuses to condemn Grogan’s perceived deception. “The Union has sent a large number of letters out following the introduction of tuition fees and continually lobbied Grogan to the point that this year his election pledge directly rules top-up fees.” As to the involvement of SU officers in the planning of the egging, including one high-profile future sabbatical officer, Youdan is clear: “It is important that this action does not reflect upon the Union. If future officers were involved it is important they think about the implications on their working relationship with potentially the SU’s MP next year.” Young himself is apologetic about his actions. “I don’t think egging is a violent protest – it goes back thousands of years and is a recognised eccentric form of British protest. At the same time though I am sorry to John for what I did. He has to understand the anger and frustration of students but this spilt over into inappropriate behaviour.” Letters to the Editor, Comment, p6 The candidates interviewed, Politics, p9

COMMENT 6 POLITICS 8 MEDIA 11 LIFESTYLE 12 FEATURES 14 MUSIC 20 WIRED 25 FILMS 26 ARTS 30 BOOKS 32 SPORT 34


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