Nottingham party student criticises government

A student who was at a 200-strong gathering broken up by police has criticised the government's handling of pupils' return to universities.

Police said it was "deeply disappointing" to see crowds breaking the law in Nottingham on Saturday.

But students have said it was a "natural response" to lockdown, adding the government has not kept its promise of a university experience.

The government said students' education and wellbeing has been prioritised.

Footage of the event at St Peter's Court, which houses students from the university, was posted on Snapchat.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers were unable to arrest anyone as the crowd dispersed when they arrived, but they were still investigating.

Officers and the University of Nottingham have said students could face serious consequences for the event.

Three first-year students, speaking anonymously to the BBC, said the event had begun with, "a few smaller meetings... and then everyone came out".

"Someone brought a really big speaker and mixing deck and it turned into a huge party," one said.

"I admit it was irresponsible, but no-one took control."

She added: "We're going to go into campus anyway. We're going to interact with each other anyway. It just feels like none of the restrictions are working or doing what they are meant to do.

"I don't think people regret it. Boris did promise us a university experience. He said our fees would be worth it and they haven't."

Another felt the police had overreacted.

"It was really scary," she said. "The police were just screaming. They were screaming at all the students. They were using swear words.

"This is not how I expected UK police to be behaving. I know this is a pandemic, but their behaviour was not acceptable."

Ch Supt Rob Griffin told BBC Radio Nottingham he would look into the student's allegations about officer conduct.

The Department for Education said: "We understand this has been a very difficult time for everyone, including students, which is why we have prioritised their education and wellbeing from the start of this pandemic, by supporting universities to provide a blend of online and in-person learning in a Covid-secure way.

"There is an established process in place for students with concerns about their education."

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have returned to tier three restrictions, the highest Covid alert level, following the end of the national lockdown.

The University of Nottingham has previously said there is "no excuse" for students breaching Covid regulations and it was prepared to take disciplinary action.

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