James Hind is editor of Canterbury Christ Church University’s student news website, Unified. He’s also a Conservative, but explains here why he won’t be shouting from the rooftops about his political allegiance...

Having right-wing views before university is never a problem, but as soon as you enter the uni bubble it can make you feel as though your opinion is wrong.

Being a confident and outspoken person, I have managed to stand by my views throughout my three years at CCCU.

But that doesn’t mean there haven’t been times I’ve kept my mouth shut or gritted my teeth during my time here.

Having an unpopular opinion at university where being PC has gone over the top can be hard, and it’s easy to see how some people might hide their real opinions.

Being right-wing doesn’t mean you agree with everything every right-wing organisation does.

It doesn’t mean you support the EDL or similar groups. In the same way that being left-wing doesn’t mean you agree with everything Jeremy Corbyn has ever stood for.

Immigration is often a tool used by the left to brand the right as racists, but wanting to steady the influx of people coming to a country that is currently struggling to produce enough houses, offer enough school places and hospital beds doesn’t mean you hate foreign people.

"Jeremy Corbyn’s new book was advertised in our uni book shop, alongside a book about stopping Brexit. But we don’t see any of Boris Johnson’s books displayed on A-frames outside of the shop..." - James Hind

It means you are thinking about the future. How can anyone ever complain about hospital and GP waiting times, traffic congestion, council house waiting lists or huge new housing developments in their back gardens if you’re open to free movement of people?

Christ Church is supposed to be a place where everyone is accepted and anyone can express their views and thoughts… that is of course, provided you fit into the liberal, left, socialist or green type of category.

Students at other universities are also treated differently because of their views.

People come to Christ Church to develop as adults and learn more about the world and independence.

That’s why it can influence people’s minds about politics, especially younger people who might not be 100% sure which side they support.

Tim Farron gave a talk here, which I attended with an open mind, but it was pretty much ‘slag off the right for an hour’.

Rosie Duffield took part in a live Q&A session at CCCU which further fuelled disdain for the country’s PM.

Jeremy Corbyn’s new book was advertised in our uni book shop, alongside a book about stopping Brexit. But we don’t see any of Boris Johnson’s books displayed on A-frames outside of the shop.

Brexit is spoken about in disgust with no respect given to the majority of the county who voted for it.

People seem to have forgotten that real people went out and voted for Brexit, it isn’t something that’s being forced upon us and we haven’t had the chance to vote for the outcome.

How can anyone in their right mind expect a second referendum, then expect any further vote to mean anything? Why not just hold another vote until you get the result you want?

My three years at CCCU has taught me more than just journalism. It has taught me that sometimes it’s better to keep your views quiet because people won’t treat you the same once they know.

For more on Unified visit unified.ccsu.co.uk.

In response to Mr Hinds’ opinion piece, a Christ Church spokesman said: “A university should be a place where independent academic study is protected and debate is encouraged with opportunities to hear and challenge diverse views; where students are supported to think critically and creatively, free and safe to express their opinions.

“Christ Church is committed to providing such an environment and supports freedom of speech within the law, as well as open, independent academic debate on all matters important to our society and communities.”