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China pose threat to UK university 'free speech' warns Tory MP - 'Massive self-censorship'
CHINA poses a threat to free expression at British universities according to a Tory MP who warns of "massive self-censorship" on campuses.
By TIM MCNULTY
PUBLISHED: 07:01, Sat, Jul 10, 2021 | UPDATED: 10:43, Sat, Jul 10, 2021
Alicia Kearns outlines 'massive problem' for UK universities
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Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has warned Chinese influence in academia is becoming a 'massive problem' for UK universities. A member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in Parliament, Ms Kearns has told Express.co.uk that she is alarmed by attempts by China to stifle free debate around human rights issues such as the mistreatment of the minority Uighur population in Xinjiang.
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"Of debate, of dialogue, of let me be the Devil for a moment and suggest something else.
"We have got a massive problem on our campuses where were are self-censoring.
"But in addition to us self censoring we have got international world powers coming in and buying up academics, buying up research fields, buying up colleges at Universities."
https://www.savemoneymarket.co.uk/n...EMk5iNrxwxNa4UsluQ1DUSGICDszVQogYC_4dT-qMKKAQ
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China: Conservative MP Alicia Kearns discusses a 'massive problem' for UK universities (Image: EXPRESS)
Chinese Communist Party stands accused of conducting a genocide against Uyghurs (Image: Getty)
The MP added: "Where we see some of them coming out saying that we can't have criticism or discussion about what is going on in Xinjiang where there is a genocide taking place.
"Because we wouldn't be being fair or we have to let the Chinese Government tell their side.
"Yes come and tell your side but we are not going to not talk about what you are doing.
"I am very concerned about the future of our country if universities, the one place where open discussion should be constant and not even up for question, we have foreign powers buying up, and particularly China."
READ MORE: ‘Sinister!’ China condemns Japanese minister over Taiwan comments
It comes just days after the China Research Group MP told Express.co.uk that the UK is in a "constant state of hybrid warfare" with aggressive foreign powers, notably Xi Jinping's Communist Party regime.
Ms Kearns told Express.co.uk: "The way in which countries seek to achieve their goals and undermine others has fundamentally shifted.
"We are in a constant state of hybrid warfare where countries like China are using every single potential lever available to them.
"From the cultural to the educational, to the military, to aid through to every possible scenario including disinformation.
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China: Military Power (Image: EXPRESS)
"When you have an autocratic regime such as China it is far easier for them because they can throw the whole of state effort at it," explained the MP.
"Because they have that command and control function that they have and they don't have a vibrant democracy.
"So we have to recognise that hybrid warfare is not some esoteric afterthought that just sought of shove on and say oh yeah they are attacking us everywhere. We are constantly at war."
www.express.co.uk
CHINA poses a threat to free expression at British universities according to a Tory MP who warns of "massive self-censorship" on campuses.
By TIM MCNULTY
PUBLISHED: 07:01, Sat, Jul 10, 2021 | UPDATED: 10:43, Sat, Jul 10, 2021
Alicia Kearns outlines 'massive problem' for UK universities
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns has warned Chinese influence in academia is becoming a 'massive problem' for UK universities. A member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in Parliament, Ms Kearns has told Express.co.uk that she is alarmed by attempts by China to stifle free debate around human rights issues such as the mistreatment of the minority Uighur population in Xinjiang.
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"Of debate, of dialogue, of let me be the Devil for a moment and suggest something else.
"We have got a massive problem on our campuses where were are self-censoring.
"But in addition to us self censoring we have got international world powers coming in and buying up academics, buying up research fields, buying up colleges at Universities."
https://www.savemoneymarket.co.uk/n...EMk5iNrxwxNa4UsluQ1DUSGICDszVQogYC_4dT-qMKKAQ
JUST IN: Joe Biden's 'deeply troubling' behaviour sparks concern for US leader 'Only getting worse'
China: Conservative MP Alicia Kearns discusses a 'massive problem' for UK universities (Image: EXPRESS)
Chinese Communist Party stands accused of conducting a genocide against Uyghurs (Image: Getty)
The MP added: "Where we see some of them coming out saying that we can't have criticism or discussion about what is going on in Xinjiang where there is a genocide taking place.
"Because we wouldn't be being fair or we have to let the Chinese Government tell their side.
"Yes come and tell your side but we are not going to not talk about what you are doing.
"I am very concerned about the future of our country if universities, the one place where open discussion should be constant and not even up for question, we have foreign powers buying up, and particularly China."
READ MORE: ‘Sinister!’ China condemns Japanese minister over Taiwan comments
It comes just days after the China Research Group MP told Express.co.uk that the UK is in a "constant state of hybrid warfare" with aggressive foreign powers, notably Xi Jinping's Communist Party regime.
Ms Kearns told Express.co.uk: "The way in which countries seek to achieve their goals and undermine others has fundamentally shifted.
"We are in a constant state of hybrid warfare where countries like China are using every single potential lever available to them.
"From the cultural to the educational, to the military, to aid through to every possible scenario including disinformation.
DON'T MISS:
Kim Jong-un panics about 'great crisis with grave consequences' [INSIGHT]
China and Argentina join forces to bully Britain over Falklands [SPOTLIGHT]
Merkel and Dutch PM accused of secret plot to offer Turkey more cash [REVEAL]
China: Military Power (Image: EXPRESS)
"When you have an autocratic regime such as China it is far easier for them because they can throw the whole of state effort at it," explained the MP.
"Because they have that command and control function that they have and they don't have a vibrant democracy.
"So we have to recognise that hybrid warfare is not some esoteric afterthought that just sought of shove on and say oh yeah they are attacking us everywhere. We are constantly at war."
China pose 'free speech' threat to UK universities 'massive problem'
CHINA poses a threat to free expression at British universities according to a Tory MP who warns of "massive self-censorship" on campuses.
