A ROW has broken out after a Question Time-style political debate was cancelled at a university because it's thought that organisers failed to abide by Charity Commission rules.

Labour Society members tried to organise the debate at Teesside University's Student Union and representatives from the Labour, Conservative and Green Parties were due to attend along with an anti-austerity group and the National Union of Students.

However, because the Student Union is a registered charity concerns were raised that the meeting could be breach of Charity Commission rules because Ukip and the Liberal Democrats were not registered.

That led Jordan Blyth, one of the organisers, to issue an online statement, which said: "This is a blatant attack on student politics and free speech, and is an attempt to limit the activities of students and activists in the run up to the General Election in May."

A on-line petition against the decision was set up by the left-wing People's Assembly Group which was supported by Independent councillor, Len Junier, who is standing as a candidate for mayor Middlesbrough. Cllr Junier said: "The university should be supporting this type of debate, not seeking to stifle it."

However Will Ridley, President of the Student Union, stressed that the both Teesside University and the Student Union were committed to free speech. He said: "However, it’s important to understand that the Students’ Union is subject to strict charity law which includes very clear guidelines for the need for political neutrality in debates or public meetings booked through the Students’ Union and held here on campus.”

One of the organisers, Liam Smith, 20, a history student, said talks had been held with the Student Union and it was hoped representatives from Ukip and the Lib Dems could be found. If a meeting couldn't be held in a Student Union the debate would be held elsewhere.