DURHAM University students have been given the green light to campaign for Labour again, after the local student body backed down on its canvassing ban on the club.

Earlier this month, Durham University Labour Club (DULC) was told by Durham Students Union (DSU) that its membership of the students’ union had been suspended for organising canvasses for Labour in defensive marginals such as Bishop Auckland.

DSU claimed that its status as a registered charity would be breached if DULC campaigned for Labour, despite the club having decades of campaigning history behind it.

As a result, DULC co-chairs Zoe Haylock and Jack Pearce were both barred by the SU from leading the club and were temporarily replaced by interim chairs.

The case attracted significant attention, with several local Labour branches and Labour MEP Judith Kirton-Darling offering support.

But in an email sent to DULC today, DSU said that it had revised its guidance for student societies — meaning that the club can now organise to campaign for Labour in the local area.

This also meant that Ms Haylock and Mr Pearce were reinstated to their roles.

DULC chair Jack Pearce told the Morning Star: “I’m incredibly pleased to be reinstated and get back to working for the club and the party.

“Labour societies are vital on our neoliberal and right-wing campuses to provide the socialist alternative to capitalist disorder.

“I’d say that Durham Students Union needs to seriously reflect on how they’ve handled this and issue an apology to DULC. 

“But in the meantime — let’s win this election!”