LONDON - Pro-Palestinian activists at British universities have begun establishing Gaza ‘solidarity encampments’ following similar demonstrations in the United States in recent days, writes Josh Salisbury for The Standard.

Universities where protest encampments were due to take place on Wednesday 1 May included Bristol, Newcastle and Sheffield. It comes amid high-profile clashes between police and pro-Palestine activists at several leading universities in the US, including at Columbia and UCLA.

A spokesperson for sector body Universities UK said: “Universities are monitoring the latest news on campus protests in the US and Canada. As with any high-profile issue, universities work hard to strike the right balance between ensuring the safety of all students and staff, including preventing harassment, and supporting lawful free speech on campus. We continue to meet regularly to discuss the latest position with university leaders.”