Student racism allegations probed

Oxford University's Conservative Association is investigating claims of racism at a student political debate.

Twenty candidates had been vying for posts within the association at a university hustings on Sunday.

Its president said the party was investigating claims racist comments had been made there after a request for them to tell "inappropriate jokes".

The party said two members had been suspended over the allegations and a disciplinary meeting had been called.

'Abhors prejudice'

Anthony Boutall, president of the association, said he had not personally heard any racist remarks, but added the event had been very noisy.

He said a disciplinary committee meeting had been called for Saturday and said: "I cannot reiterate strongly enough that Oxford University Conservative Association has no place for racism, and abhors and rejects all racial prejudice."

A spokesman for Oxford University said racism, if proven, was "unacceptable" behaviour while a student union spokesman said racism was "disgraceful".

MP Michael Howard, the Conservative leader from 2003 to 2005, was due to address the association on Thursday but his office said on Thursday morning he had rejected the invitation following reports of the racist allegations.

The association was founded in 1924 and has about 700 student members. Its past presidents include Margaret Thatcher, Edward Heath and William Hague.