The University of Winchester has cancelled a talk by the leader of a controversial party advocating for men's rights, following backlash from students.

More than 700 people signed an online petition calling for the talk by Justice for Men and Boys party leader Mike Buchanan to be scrapped.

The petition cited the party's use of awards such as "Whiny Feminist of the Month" and "Gormless Feminist of the Month", and their support for articles including "13 reasons women lie about being raped".

It read: "While feminism welcomes men and discusses men's issues, this group is not inclusive or concerned with equality for all.

"There are societies at Winchester such as the Feminist Society and Spectrum who could be directly threatened by this speech and these people being on campus.


"We want women to feel safe on our campus, and these men do not help in that effort."

The talk, which was due to take place on Friday, was named "Equal rights for men and women" and also featured men's rights blogger William Collins.

It had been arranged by a professor at the university.

Image: The petition said students would feel 'threatened' by the talk going ahead. File pic

Mr Buchanan said he was "disappointed" by the university's decision and said the party had been "very badly misrepresented" by the petition, describing allegations of misogyny as "complete nonsense".

He said: "I was a bit annoyed that they didn't refer to our Lying Feminist of the Month awards.

"We call out feminists for lying - including some MPs - for being whiny, for being gormless, for being toxic."

Responding to allegations his party is not inclusive, he said "we're absolutely for equality and opportunity" and said there are "plenty" of women in the men's rights movement.

"These women wouldn't come within a country mile of us if they had any reason to believe that we were misogynists," he added.

A statement on the university's website confirmed the event would not be going ahead due to concerns from a "significant" number of students and staff.

It said: "When members of staff invite a guest speaker in to speak with students, this should in no way be interpreted as the university supporting or endorsing their views.

"Like all universities, Winchester values intellectual freedom and free speech.

"We welcome and encourage debate around a wide range of issues and views in a safe, constructive environment. However, events should be balanced and provide space for healthy challenge and debate."