Cabinet Minister Compensates Academic Accused of Hamas Sympathy
Last year, Science Secretary Michelle Donelan raised concerns that led to an investigation by the UK Research and Innovation agency into two UK academics.
Subsequently, Ms. Donelan paid damages to university professor Kate San for falsely suggesting that she sympathized with extremist views and Hamas. Taxpayers covered the undisclosed sum after Ms. Donelan retracted her comments.
Following this incident, Ms. Donelan faced criticism from Labour and Liberal Democrat ministers, with calls for her resignation.
The University and College Union (UCU) general secretary Jo Grady criticized Ms. Donelan for using taxpayers’ money to settle a libel claim without apologizing to the individuals she falsely accused.
In response, Shadow Science Secretary Peter Kyle and Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper also expressed disapproval of Ms. Donelan’s actions.
The investigation into the academics, Kate San and Kamna Patel, by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) concluded that there was no evidence of support for Hamas or breach of conditions of their appointments.
While Ms. San expressed delight at the resolution, she criticized Ms. Donelan’s conduct. Ms. Patel also found the experience distressing, questioning the basis of the investigation.
Law firm Bindmans, representing the academics, highlighted the unfairness of the investigation and cited a misleading press release by the Policy Exchange think tank that influenced Ms. Donelan’s allegations.
Despite the criticism, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed full confidence in Ms. Donelan as a minister.
PA contributed to this report.
