George Osborne attended and spoke at an international Anglo-German Conference at King's College this afternoon, prompting forceful protest from students.

The conference saw the Chancellor of the Exchequer and his European counterparts gather to discuss European economic policy. As Osborne left the conference room, King’s students shouted at him to “fuck off” and “stay out of our college”. Meanwhile other protestors formed a human barrier that prevented the car of the German finance minister Wolfgang Schäuble, often referred to as one of the most hated men in Europe, from leaving King’s Parade.

Students were unaware of Osborne's visit until he arrived at the King’s coffee shop this afternoon. Spontaneous protests were organised but were quickly shut down by the college; amidst the protest porters announced that College rules had changed to preclude non-King’s members from entering the College. A student, who did not want to be identified, said “I don’t feel at liberty to speak in my own college today”.

Amelia Horgan, a King's student, tweeted that she had sung "Build a Bonfire" at the Chancellor while he was sitting in the café. 

Later protestors assembled outside Keynes Hall, where Osborne and the other attendees were gathered, banging saucepans and chanting slogans. Students pointed out the irony of Osborne’s presence in Keynes Hall, speaking just metres from Keynes' bust, given that the Chancellor is known for his departure from Keynesian economics in his response to the financial crisis.

A PhD student, who did not want to be identified, said that he didn’t know whether to "acknowledge the supreme irony of his presence in Keynes’s College or be really sad. He’s such a shadow of Keynes's intellect". 

Sadhbh O'Sullivan, a third-year student, wrote on Twitter: "Taking student spaces for tory govt members, abusing undergrads, silencing and kicking out non-college members. Yet Osbourne can be there?"

Cambridge Defend Education tweeted: "Thanks to the scores who turned out for the demo, with no notice at all, and in the middle of the university vacation!"