DJ sets, free drink tokens and trips home for showers: Inside Britain universities' Gaza sit-ins as students complain it's cold and they're not 'champagne socialists' at 'solidarity' encampments
- Dozens more tents have been pitched on campuses across the country today
- Students have been receiving donations as they vow to continue 'indefinitely'
Students setting up pro-Gaza 'solidarity' encampments and holding sit-ins are enjoying DJ sets, free drink tokens and regular trips home for showers.
Demonstrators have pitched tents and hoisted pro-Palestine flags on campuses across the UK, calling for an end to the war between Israel and Hamas and demanding universities disclose and end any investments in the arms trade.
Now students taking part at universities including Newcastle and Bristol have described the 'freezing' conditions but also the benefits being offered, including deliveries of free snacks - as they denied being 'champagne socialists'.
Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, speaking in Parliament, today warned that protesters should be met with 'an extremely strict response' if they tried to replicate what she called the 'disgusting' scenes happening in the US, where 1,000 students have been arrested.
Organisers here have insisted the protests will remain peaceful as they spread to even more universities over the coming days and weeks.
![Hafsa, a 21-year-old first year student, has been taking part in the pro-Palestine 'solidarity encampment' at Newcastle University](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84374933-13375741-image-m-96_1714662221994.jpg)
Hafsa, a 21-year-old first year student, has been taking part in the pro-Palestine 'solidarity encampment' at Newcastle University
![The protest at Newcastle is one of a growing number on campuses across the UK today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84374929-13375741-image-m-97_1714662238687.jpg)
The protest at Newcastle is one of a growing number on campuses across the UK today
![Among those taking part at Bristol University was a fine arts student named Sam](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84373773-13375741-image-m-98_1714662249564.jpg)
Among those taking part at Bristol University was a fine arts student named Sam
![Students have also been manning stalls and camping out at Leeds University since yesterday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84374939-13375741-image-m-99_1714662259791.jpg)
Students have also been manning stalls and camping out at Leeds University since yesterday
![Another 'Palestine Encampment' has been set up at Manchester University's Brunswick Park](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84375077-13375741-image-a-57_1714661026625.jpg)
Another 'Palestine Encampment' has been set up at Manchester University's Brunswick Park
The first UK university encampment was set up last week at Warwick, with others following in Bristol, Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle - where students have brought tents, banners and gazebos.
Today there were w0 tents outside the Student Union at Newcastle University, where entertainment by a Palestinian DJ was being planned and regular food supplies are being provided.
Campers have also been given vouchers for free drinks at the university bar.
Lewi, a law student at Newcastle, admitted sleeping in his own bed at home last night and having a shower before returning 24 hours after the protest had begun at 8am yesterday.
He insisted it was 'freezing' despite the May sunshine but declared the demos would continue 'indefinitely' even if students find themselves kicked out of university.
Lewi, 20, said: 'It isn't champagne socialism - it's really high stakes, we've been here for 24 hours so far.
'The student union have been bringing snacks and we are getting tokens for free drinks at the bar.
'They are our union, our fees go to them to be our union - this is our benefit.'
![Students at Manchester University have been chanting and picnicking on campus](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372449-13375741-image-a-86_1714661986397.jpg)
Students at Manchester University have been chanting and picnicking on campus
![Lewi, a law student at Newcastle University, said the protesters planned to stay 'indefinitely'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375345-13375741-image-m-101_1714662275062.jpg)
Lewi, a law student at Newcastle University, said the protesters planned to stay 'indefinitely'
![Lewi has a tent as part though admitted he went home to sleep and shower last night](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375125-13375741-image-m-102_1714662287374.jpg)
Lewi has a tent as part though admitted he went home to sleep and shower last night
He described how students would gather each day at 5pm and at 6.30pm share a community dinner 'where everyone is welcome', adding: 'We have a call out group chat where if we need anything people bring it.
'What we're doing, it's not nice, it's freezing. This isn't for fun - we try to make it fun but it isn't.
'We are willing to be here indefinitely and we are willing to lose our degrees over it. It's a strong statement.
'From my point of view, I haven't worked as a child for my academic record to sit here and hear about the students in Gaza that don't have a single university, and do nothing.'
The student, originally from Brighton, did suggest there was 'a chance of things going south very quickly'.
He said: 'Suspension is quite likely. We are worried about our degrees being taken away. People have been going to the library and coming back.'
Jonathan Turner, chief executive of the group UK Lawyers For Israel called earlier for universities to ''take immediate legal action to remove these encampments before Jewish and other students are harassed and excluded'.
But Lewi insisted the demonstrators were not anti-Semitic and included 'a large number' of Jewish students.
![Some 20 tents have been pitched outside Newcastle University's Student Union](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375237-13375741-image-m-103_1714662298226.jpg)
Some 20 tents have been pitched outside Newcastle University's Student Union
![A police officer monitors the demonstration by students at Newcastle University](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375235-13375741-image-m-104_1714662305363.jpg)
A police officer monitors the demonstration by students at Newcastle University
![Newcastle University student Lewi said the protest was 'freezing' and 'not fun'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375349-13375741-image-m-105_1714662314241.jpg)
Newcastle University student Lewi said the protest was 'freezing' and 'not fun'
He said: 'The food I'm eating has been prepared by an Israeli citizen. The high involvement of Jewish students means the discourse hasn't been made too much of a thing.'
The campers are surrounded by Palestinian flags and photographs of dead children.
A large banner at the front of the site says, 'Gaza solidarity encampment', while another sign reads: 'Anti-Zionism is not anti-Semitism.'
Hafsa, a 21-year old first year student, was not camping out but instead delivering supplies to other students.
She said: 'I'm bringing the vibes up, getting the speaker out, dancing, boosting morale.
'I live locally and I feel like my support is better through making sure there is a car here. I have three little brothers at home who I have to help get ready for school so I go home on an evening.
'We are willing to be here until our demands are met.'
She did describe as 'anxious and terrified' she could lose her degree as a result.
![Hafsa, 21, has been bringing food and supplies to those taking part at Newcastle University](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375143-13375741-image-m-106_1714662325351.jpg)
Hafsa, 21, has been bringing food and supplies to those taking part at Newcastle University
![Students at Newcastle said they were being given free drink vouchers and donated food](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375189-13375741-image-m-107_1714662333474.jpg)
Students at Newcastle said they were being given free drink vouchers and donated food
![Newcastle student Hafsa said she felt anxious and terrified' she could lose her degree.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375145-13375741-image-m-108_1714662340909.jpg)
Newcastle student Hafsa said she felt anxious and terrified' she could lose her degree.
But she added: 'At the same time, I don't think I would be able to live my life knowing that I have a degree and have paid the price with my silence.'
Students in Newcastle have been protesting an alleged partnership between the university and defence and security company Leonardo SpA, claimed to have involvement in producing equipment for Israeli jets.
Hafsa went on: 'I find it a privilege to be at a place like Newcastle University. The university would be at a great loss if they tried to silence us.
'They would be overlooking the leaders of tomorrow. We have tried time and time again to communicate with the university.'
Addressing concerns about anti-Semitism, she added: 'I understand what it feels like to be targeted. I would hate for anyone to feel as though we are here against them.
'I wouldn't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable and if anyone has concerns about anti-Semitism I'm very, very open. I'm sure everyone else is as well to have a calm discussion about it.'
National Women Against Pit Closures secretary Heather Wood, 72, from Easington in County Durham, donated £10 to the students.
She said: 'It's about genocide and killing bairns. These people are living somewhere where it is their right to live.
![National Women Against Pit Closures secretary Heather Wood, 72, donated £10 to the Newcastle University students camping out](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375333-13375741-image-m-109_1714662348713.jpg)
National Women Against Pit Closures secretary Heather Wood, 72, donated £10 to the Newcastle University students camping out
![The Newcastle tents are surrounded by Palestinian flags and photo of dead children](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375153-13375741-image-m-110_1714662356710.jpg)
The Newcastle tents are surrounded by Palestinian flags and photo of dead children
![Hafsa, 21-year-old first year student at Newcastle, said: 'I don't think I would be able to live my life knowing that I have a degree and have paid the price with my silence'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375321-13375741-image-m-111_1714662365002.jpg)
Hafsa, 21-year-old first year student at Newcastle, said: 'I don't think I would be able to live my life knowing that I have a degree and have paid the price with my silence'
'I want to support the students. It's really making me feel hopeful about the future.
'It's hard to stand against the state. I'm just so happy that they are doing this. It's just amazing and it makes me feel so much better now that someone is doing it.'
Last October, Leonardo SpA opened a technology research site in the city and hosted an event attended by at least one faculty member from the university - although it was unclear to what extent the firm worked directly with the institution.
Leonardo did launch a data science partnership with the National Innovation Centre for Data hosted at the university last summer.
Newcastle University said it respected people's right to protest lawfully.
A spokesperson added: 'Working with industry partners is critical in helping us to leverage our world-class research, to advance science and to support the UK's development through high-value employment and skills.
'Any proposals for defence and security collaborations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
'The university does not invest in companies making armaments.'
![Law student Lewi rejected any labels of 'champagne socialism' as he took part in the demo](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375119-13375741-image-m-112_1714662374835.jpg)
Law student Lewi rejected any labels of 'champagne socialism' as he took part in the demo
![A pro-Palestine demo has been set up by Bristol University students in Royal Fort Gardens](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372571-13375741-image-a-77_1714661609286.jpg)
A pro-Palestine demo has been set up by Bristol University students in Royal Fort Gardens
![Bristol fine arts student Sam wants the university to publicly call for a ceasefire in Gaza](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372565-13375741-image-a-78_1714661615890.jpg)
Bristol fine arts student Sam wants the university to publicly call for a ceasefire in Gaza
![Another Bristol University student is pictured at the Royal Fort Gardens solidarity camp](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372569-13375741-image-a-79_1714661629644.jpg)
Another Bristol University student is pictured at the Royal Fort Gardens solidarity camp
Meanwhile, at the Bristol University protest camp, about 20 students have been demonstrating since the early hours of yesterday morning.
Fine arts student Sam was among them, sitting in a small, one-person tent on a damp patch of lawn outside the city's Royal Fort.
He said: 'Israel has launched a genocide against the Palestinian people and we cannot stand by and watch this unfold without expressing our solidarity and support in some way.
'We are also demanding that Bristol University publicly calls for a ceasefire.'
He also insisted he and his fellow students and his fellow students were planning to continue their sit-in 'indefinitely'.
Sam said: 'Our term finishes at the end of this month, but if our demands have not been met by then, we will remain here until further notice. Some things are just too important.
'Sure, it makes getting my final two essays completed quite difficult, but I'm adaptable.
'I've got my laptop here in the tent and I still have access to the libraries for information, so I'm just writing everything up here. I am staying put.'
![Banners carrying pro-Palestine slogans are hung beside tents at the Bristol University camp](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84375955-13375741-image-m-114_1714663105517.jpg)
Banners carrying pro-Palestine slogans are hung beside tents at the Bristol University camp
![The demo at Manchester University's Brunswick Park campus was inspired by similar in the US](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372471-13375741-image-a-80_1714661680448.jpg)
The demo at Manchester University's Brunswick Park campus was inspired by similar in the US
![Manchester students have gathered with Palestinian flags as well as holding up placards](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372503-13375741-image-a-82_1714661836341.jpg)
Manchester students have gathered with Palestinian flags as well as holding up placards
He revealed university staff had been offering support as well as food parcels, including one of his lecturers.'
The campers were also joined for the day by 77-year-old alumnus Caroline New, who completed her PhD in sociology and philosophy at Bristol University in the early 1990s.
Ms New said: 'I am in total sympathy with these brave young students who are doing their best to do something about the atrocities currently being played out in Palestine against Palestinian human beings.'
She is a member of the group Friends Of Standing Together, which was launched last year saying it wanted to promote 'peace, equality, and justice in Israel and Palestine, the benefits of joint struggle by Jews and Palestinians'.
There has been some unease among people at Leeds University where 20 pro-Palestine students pitched tents on a lawn yesterday.
Homemade signs strung around the makeshift camp read: 'No pride in Apartheid! Queers for Palestine', 'No IDF on campus' and 'Welcome to the occupation. Free Palestine'.
A disgruntled Leeds University employee said: 'They are ruining a place for people to meet by selfishly setting up their tents there.'
He said the group, the Leeds Students Against Apartheid Coalition, had previously occupied the landmark Parkinson Building at the university for 10 days.
A Jewish student, who preferred not to be named, said: 'I'm not against protest, but this sort of thing makes me feel unsafe.
![Tents line a green space at Manchester University while crowds of protesters congregate](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372523-13375741-image-a-83_1714661860090.jpg)
Tents line a green space at Manchester University while crowds of protesters congregate
![An aerial view of the pro-Palestine solidarity camp at Manchester University today](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372537-13375741-image-a-84_1714661866703.jpg)
An aerial view of the pro-Palestine solidarity camp at Manchester University today
'I think they are more anti-Semitic than pro-Palestine. They are also ill informed - Hamas are dead against homosexuality, so declaring queers are backing Palestine is stupidity.'
Sean Grant, 19, said: 'They are not doing any harm here really, but not really helping either. I'm not sure whether Israel or the people of Gaza will see any benefit from this protest.'
At Manchester University, an encampment was set up at Brunswick Park yesterday.
Around 50 students have erected tents on campus grounds demanding that the university ends its partnership with BAE Systems and other arms companies, and also cut its ties with Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. It is also demanding it stops all 'unethical research'.
Protesters put up banners which read: 'Welcome to MCR camp resistance for Palestine', 'F*** your profits' and claimed the university had 'blood money on its hands'. Food stalls were also set up to keep the students fed at Brunswick Park site.
On some of the small tents were photographs of people killed in the war.
Student Yassir Raqe, 20, said: 'It so important that we do this and show our support to the people of Gaza.
![Among the demonstrators isgroup called the Leeds Students Against Apartheid Coalition](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376315-13375741-image-a-88_1714662125351.jpg)
Among the demonstrators isgroup called the Leeds Students Against Apartheid Coalition
![Handpainted signs bore slogans such as 'Stop genocide. End apartheid. Free Palestine' as well sa ¿Welcome to the occupation. Free Palestine'.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376309-13375741-image-a-89_1714662131389.jpg)
Handpainted signs bore slogans such as 'Stop genocide. End apartheid. Free Palestine' as well sa 'Welcome to the occupation. Free Palestine'.
![Other banners were hung on metal fencing at the Leeds University campus](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376165-13375741-image-a-91_1714662156210.jpg)
Other banners were hung on metal fencing at the Leeds University campus
'Innocent people are being killed and it has to stop. We will be here for as long as it takes for action to be taken.'
Samir Tali, 23, said: 'The university needs to show strong leadership and immediately end its association with BAE.
'We are committed to having our demands met. The university needs to change course and that's why we are pressuring them into doing it.'
Another student, from Manchester Leftist Action, said: 'There has been a call from Palestinian resistance for an increase and escalation in our action and we responded to that call with an encampment. Similar action is taking place across the country and the US.'
Another banner on display referenced the slogan 'From the river to the sea' - the land between the River Jordan and the Mediterranean, which some claim calls for the destruction of the Israeli State.
One organiser of the university encampment, who refused to be named, denied the slogan was antisemitic.
But Jewish students at the university disagreed, saying they felt concerned for their safety.
One said: 'I feel it is a very hostile environment at the moment.
'I feel scared and intimidated walking through here now.
'I know friends who have removed any items that identifies them as Jewish. How can that be right?'
Her friend said: 'People are afraid to come to university. It just seems like they are trying to intimidate and scare people by being in everyone's faces.
'Some friends have had vile comments shouted at them because of their faith.'
![Other messages seen in Leeds included 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Freedom for Palestine'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376329-13375741-image-a-92_1714662175813.jpg)
Other messages seen in Leeds included 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Freedom for Palestine'
![Tents pitched on campus at Leeds University now sit beside picnic benches](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376313-13375741-image-a-93_1714662181960.jpg)
Tents pitched on campus at Leeds University now sit beside picnic benches
![Leeds students were seen sitting in the sun while carrying out their solidarity demo](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376185-13375741-image-a-94_1714662192430.jpg)
Leeds students were seen sitting in the sun while carrying out their solidarity demo
A spokesperson for the university said: 'You can be assured that we will do everything possible to maintain business as usual and we urge protesters to act accordingly.
'We are very conscious of the need to ensure that everyone on our campus remains safe and secure and this will be of utmost importance.'
The university has said in a previous statement it has 'no involvement with the Israeli defence sector'.
More camps are due to be set up at universities including Swansea, Edinburgh and Lancaster.
The demonstrations follow protests on US campuses, where demonstrations have turned ugly with counter-protesters meeting the encampments with force.
At UCLA, a masked pro-Israeli group ambushed a pro-Palestinian camp, shocking footage showing figures in hoodies bashing activists with bats and setting off flares.
Police had established control by dawn on Wednesday. The college cancelled classes in response to the assault.
Hundreds of protesters have also been arrested at Columbia amid similar events, with police officers clearing encampments and an occupied building.
Speaking in the Commons this morning, Ms Mordaunt warned of a crackdown if students here created disorder in their pro-Palestine protests.
Asked about antisemitism on British campuses, she said UK universities were aware of their responsibilities to all students, 'in particular, those communities that are feeling particularly under attack'.
Ms Mordaunt added: 'That is what we expect of them and we hope and expect that they will meet any such notion of similar protests with an extremely strict response.'
Stella Swain, youth and student campaigns officer with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, predicted more camps would spring up at further UK universities.
She said: 'Later this week and next, more places will be taking up that call for support.
'All of the protests so far have been completely peaceful and there is nothing to indicate that they wouldn't be - there would be very little cause for an escalated (police) response.'
![At Manchester University, an encampment was set up at Brunswick Park yesterday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/15/84372475-13375741-image-a-85_1714661974415.jpg)
At Manchester University, an encampment was set up at Brunswick Park yesterday
![Protesters have also set up tents and stalls here at Leeds University](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/02/16/84376325-13375741-image-a-87_1714662116820.jpg)
Protesters have also set up tents and stalls here at Leeds University
She said the UK protests involved students discussing topics such as colonialism and resistance movements, describing the demonstrations as 'peaceful but educative events'.
Tom Southerden, Amnesty International UK's law and human rights director, said: 'The right to peaceful protest is fundamental to our democracy and it's vital that UK universities and the police respect and protect peaceful student protests on Gaza.
'Peaceful, student-led protests are an important part of the movement across the globe against Israel's war crimes, apartheid and possible genocide in Gaza.
'The authorities in the UK must avoid the dangerous clampdown we've witnessed at university campuses across the US.'
The Prime Minister's official spokesman would not comment on protests in the US, but said: 'We've always been clear that people have a right to peaceful and lawful protest but clearly people shouldn't abuse that right to intimidate others, cause unnecessary disruption.
'Obviously, the police already have extensive public order powers to tackle disorder at protests and will continue to have our full support in doing so if needed.'