Ineffective protest over Grayling's university plans at Foyles debate

I don't have a strong view on the new private university being set up by Professor A.C. Grayling, but I do think it was stupid of someone to launch a smoke bomb at "The Arts in Britain—Death by a Thousand Cuts" event.

The discussion, which took place in the Foyles bookshop, Charing Cross Road, Central London, encompassed a heated one hour debate, during which protesters chanted: "A.C .Grayling get out we know what you’re all about, cuts, job losses, money for the bosses!"according to Liberal Conspiracy.

This seems like a rather silly chant. The issue with Grayling's university is that it could further divide the gap between rich and poor, not that it'll cut jobs. In fact, it'll create jobs.

It is also rather disappointing that Grayling's offer to talk to protesters and explain his views was declined. It would have been better for the protesters to take Grayling up on his offer.

In fact, a discussion between Grayling and the protesters and no smoke bomb thrown might have converted people there to their cause.

As it is, no doubt some people there will now be too uncomfortable to attend future debates, meaning that less people will attend events where people discuss culture and politics.

Surely not what the protesters would want.

You can see the video of the smoke bomb's effects below: