London Correspondent Sonny Lalor explores the political environment in University College London.
It is no secret that the political divides are deepening around the world. On both a global and local scale, ideological differences are shaping how people live, interact and perceive one another.
In discussion with students studying here at University College London, I explored whether they felt personally affected by this growing divide. One point of agreement was both clear and universal: the political rift not only exists in student discourse, but it is pushing people further apart.
In recent years, UCL’s political societies have repeatedly clashed, with the Student Union routinely suspending societies for what they have deemed to be “harmful rhetoric”. Most notably, the UCL Conservative Society was suspended in January of last year after hosting an evening of port-drinking and debates on provocative topics such as whether the UK should “invade Yemen”, or “burn the boats”. The UCL Labour Society, in response, condemned the event, claiming that it “went well beyond the realms of a constructive debate”.
While the tensions and disagreements between political societies are perhaps inevitable, I wanted to examine whether “ordinary students”, who may not be involved with societies based in politics, also feel the effects of political divisiveness in their daily lives.
After conducting a number of interviews with students around campus, every student I talked with shared the same answer: yes. Political divisions do exist in student life, and they influence students' lives in one way or another. One such student reflected on how modern day politics are much more divisive in nature than ten years ago.
Ella, a master’s student of African descent from Manchester, spoke powerfully about this shift. She shared how modern-day political discourse often feels more destructive and intimate than it used to. Referring to the rise in visible support of characters such as Nigel Farage or Tommy Robinson, the slogan “burn down the boats”, and “Reform UK” flags hanging from windows, she discussed how such imagery can create a hostile and unwelcome atmosphere for people of colour in the UK. These developments have led here and others to “screen the people you’re around”.
This instinct to monitor one’s surroundings for safety and acceptance is becoming increasingly common. A recent BBC article about Tommy Robinson’s “Unite the Kingdom” march in London illustrates this polarisation. The piece follows a couple from South Wales who shared the reasoning behind their attendance at Robinson’s march. Which saw approximately 100,000 people march with him, and roughly 5,000 people march in protest.
The couple discussed that while they do not support all of Robinson’s views and rhetoric, they felt compelled to attend in defence of “free speech”, which they felt was under attack by those who oppose Robinson and what he stands for.
This story reflects how extremism and social alienation can push people towards radical spaces in search of belonging.
The solution to this widening divide remains uncertain. Some students believe that leadership from the top is needed, whilst others place their faith in grassroots activism. But one thing is clear: political polarisation now affects everyone, from national politicians to students.
For decades, London has been celebrated as a global hub of diversity, a “cultural melting pot” and a centre of intellectual and financial life. However, the growing political and cultural divisions are now testing the limits of this great city.