A BAN preventing the far-right British National Party from speaking at Exeter University has been overthrown by students.

Representatives of Exeter's Students' Guild wanted to continue their 'no-platform' policy against extremist groups, concerned they might prove a safety threat on campus.

But at a meeting yesterday to debate the proposal, it was defeated by other students who argued for freedom of speech.

The university will now again adopt a 'balanced platform' policy, which means invited groups classed as unacceptable by the guild's parent body, the National Union of Students, have to be given permission.

A year ago, speculation of a campus debate by the BNP sparked a security scare after fears they could clash with anti-fascist organisations. At an emotionally-charged Guild general meeting yesterday, attended by hundreds of students, members of the debating society spoke out against creating a list of groups which should be banned from campus, the idea of guild president John Cox.

Debating society member Matt Hamblin said all groups should be be heard on campus. "Freedom of speech is a right and a duty," he said.

Mr Cox said he had seen students become increasingly fearful of being targeted if extremist groups were allowed to hold meetings.

"I have had about 30 students come to me very upset thinking these groups might be able to come to campus," she said.

"I want to protect their rights and responsibilities and what they want from education at Exeter.

"I oppose these people and we need to send a clear message that the university is here for inclusion."

Students voted against his motion.

Another hot topic at the meeting, a motion by the Evangelical Christian Union to impose restrictions on some students joining faith-based societies, was also defeated.

The ECU has been in conflict with the guild for several years and attempted to take it to court after the society was penalised for not following equal opportunities policies.

It asks members to sign a declaration of strict evangelical values which the guild says denies all students a chance to join.

Opponents said restrictions on the grounds of belief meant discrimination for those with different views, gender, ethnicity, country of origin, and sexuality and students voted against the motion.

ECU president Rob Moore said he wanted to protect the society's identity, aims and objectives, but welfare and equal opportunities officer

Mr Cox said Exeter would have been known as the "university of absolute insanity" if the changes had been approved.