University pledges its Myanmar ‘solidarity’

THE city’s university has pledged its ‘solidarity’ with students and colleagues living in fear of political persecution after a military coup in Myanmar – as it suspends teaching.

Last month on February 1, Myanmar's military seized power after detaining and deposing Aung San Suu Kyi and other democratically elected leaders. Since then reports have emerged of protestors being killed – many of whom were students – and being imprisoned.

Having established engineering and business degree programmes in Myanmar as part of its global priorities initiative, the ongoing political unrest is of particular concern to staff at the University of Portsmouth.

The affiliation with Chindwin College in the country’s largest city Yangon sees students accredited with degrees from the University of Portsmouth. PSB Academy, one of Singapore's leading private education institutions, is also involved in the partnership.

Chris Chang, pro vice-chancellor for Global Engagement and Education Partnerships, said: ‘We wish to express our solidarity with all of our Myanmar students, their families and fellow citizens currently affected by the difficult political situation in their country.’

A decision has been taken to suspend all teaching classes due to the ongoing volatility in the region.

Professor Chang added: ‘It is disappointing that we have had to suspend teaching but the safety and wellbeing of students and staff is our main priority. ‘We have an ongoing commitment to ensure that students can continue their education effectively and are working closely with our partners, Chindwin-PSB Institute and PSB Academy to minimise the disruption to students’ learning.’

The university set up the partnership in a bid to ‘develop educational and research capacity and capability in emerging economies’.

THE city council has thrown its support behind potential government legislation to protect the environment, saying there ‘won’t be a Portsmouth’ without it.

Members of Portsmouth City Council have officially backed the climate and ecological emergency (CEE) bill, which was created by scientists and academics, but still needs the formal approval of government to pass as law.

So far 102 MPs have signed their names to the bill, which asks for a number of actions including the declaration of a national climate emergency and the creation of citizens’ assemblies to work on a climate change strategy.

Speaking at a virtual full council meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Will Purvis asked his peers to show their support. He said: 'The climate emergency is real. This is not a niche issue or owned by any campaign group or political party. It affects all of us.

'We are the last generation that can do something about this before it's too late.

'Now is not the time for excuses, it's the time for decisive action. We have seen how the country could come together for Covid, let's apply that to supporting this.'

However, some councillors believed the council should be debating climate change at a more local level.

Tory Cllr Matt Atkins said: ‘This isn’t really a local issue, a bill going through parliament. Of course climate change effects us.’ And Cllr Scott Payter-Harris, said it was ‘hypocritical’ for the council administration to support the bill while pressing ahead with plans for 4,000 homes at Tipner West. The council will now ask Portsmouth’s MPs for their support.