Motion text
That this House is alarmed at Cambridge University’s failure to respond to security concerns surrounding a postgraduate researcher facing threats believed to come from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence; notes that the researcher concerned, Roshaan Khattak, is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and academic whose proposed doctorate at Cambridge investigates enforced disappearances and other genocidal crimes in Balochistan, a region of Pakistan intersected by China's multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative; condemns the university's instruction that Roshaan Khattak leave the college accommodation by 30 June 2025, which removed any institutional protection that being a student offers, and refused to do any risk assessments or offer advice; is further concerned that as authoritarian regimes grow more aggressive, academics researching politically sensitive topics will continue to face serious threats; calls on Cambridge University to publish clear university procedures for handling transnational repression and its effect on academic freedom; and further calls on the university to reinstate Roshaan Khattak’s PhD progression.
Signatures (9)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
McDonnell, John
Independent
Signed on
11 July 2025
Duncan-Jordan, Neil
Labour
Signed on
15 July 2025
Corbyn, Jeremy
Independent
Signed on
15 July 2025
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
16 July 2025
Law, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
17 July 2025
Chowns, Ellie
Green Party
Signed on
17 July 2025
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.