Moment students yell ‘You support genocide!’ at Conservative politician who voted against Gaza ceasefire as she speaks to university’s politics society

Student protesters yelled ‘You support genocide’ at a Conservative politician who voted against a Gaza ceasefire after she arrived to speak at their university. 

Footage shows  Tory Senedd Member Natasha Asghar speaking to Cardiff University’s Politics Society as chanting and banging are heard from outside the room. 

Ms Asghar, who said she was also called a ‘murderer’, voted against a motion last week which called for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. 

In videos shared on social media, a student standing inside the room questioned her on why she didn’t support a pause in hostilities. 

The politician could be heard replying: ‘If you aim for the moon, you will land amongst the stars, have you heard that saying before? Why can you not aim for peace; a ceasefire will naturally occur.’

Footage shows students chanting and banging as Tory Senedd Member Natasha Asghar spoke to Cardiff University’s Politics Society.

South Wales Police confirmed officers attended the event.

In a statement on X, Ms Asghar said: ‘Whilst I accept people have the right to protest, the scenes which unfolded at Cardiff University last night were totally unacceptable… chanting all sorts of hateful messages including calling me a ”murderer”, ramming doors to try to gain access to the room I was in, and pounding on the walls from start to finish is absolutely uncalled for.

READ MORE – Fury as police stand by and watch as activists scale Hyde Park war memorial 

‘Despite repeated attempts to explain my point of view following last week’s vote, and answer their questions, many of the protesters simply would not listen and engage and instead continued disrupting the event because they didn’t like my answers.’

She said she felt sorry for the students in the room who had a ‘passion for politics,’ adding: ‘It was an absolute joy to speak to students from the Politics Society, who asked me some fantastic questions, and I have no doubt many of them have bright careers ahead of them in the political arena.’

Cardiff University said security were in attendance and the event went ahead with ‘minimal disruption’. 

A spokesman said: ‘In response, we will review the night’s events and adapt our procedures, if necessary

‘It is important to stress that universities are places where a range of ideas can be considered, examined and dissected both in academic programmes and in the wider University life. This means differing views can be brought forward and listened to. 

‘As a result, we will continue to take all reasonable steps to ensure that – within the law – freedom of speech is secured on our campus.’

Cardiff Students’ Union said its leaders attended the event to make sure it could take place and protestors were able to express their opinions.

Ms Asghar, who said she was also called a ‘murderer’, voted against a motion last week which called for a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Gaza

A spokesperson said: ‘Cardiff Students’ Union is dedicated to providing a space where students can engage in discussions, express their opinions, and advocate for change. 

‘Whilst we have a responsibility to uphold freedom of speech, we also recognise the need to balance this with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants in society events.

‘The Students’ Union is now reviewing the event and the protest that took place, including if any formal actions need to be taken.

‘It is crucial to recognise that peaceful protests and constructive dialogue are integral components of a thriving academic community, we encourage any students who wish to voice their opinions to do so whilst also ensuring campus is free from hate, discrimination, and hostility.’

In a statement on X, Ms Asghar complained about being called a ‘murderer’ 

Ms Asghar is of Pakistani descent and the first ethnic female member of the Senedd. 

She hoped to stand for the Conservatives in the London mayoral elections but failed to make the shortlist. 

She hosts a Bollywood music show on TV and is the author of the novel Me, Myself And My Arranged Marriage. 

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