Varsity has learnt that the Vice-Chancellor of the University may be prepared to meet with a small delegation from the Old Schools occupation this afternoon.

The Vice-Chancellor, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, has stipulated that he is ready to receive, though not to discuss, the demands of the occupiers. He has made it clear that he will only receive a delegation if the occupation is brought to a peaceful and permanent conclusion this afternoon.

It is understood that if this delegation acquiesce to the offer, the Vice-Chancellor will present their demands at a meeting of the University Council next Monday. He has made it clear that no such meeting can occur whilst the occupation of the Combination Room continues.

This is the first instance of the University’s management recognising that students have concerns about the cuts in funding and increases in tuition fees. Up until this point, the University has refused to publicly acknowledge the occupation or to comment on their demands. They did however acquire a court injunction on Monday stating that the occupiers were illegally trespassing on University property.

The occupation of Old Schools has been ongoing since last Friday morning. It has amassed the support of over 200 academics, who have signed a letter calling for the University to oppose the proposed cuts. The occupiers demanded negotiation with the University in a statement released on the morning of Wednesday December 1st.

Last night the academics issued an urgent second demand to the Vice-Chancellor, calling on him to engage in dialogue with the students.

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