A North East MP has backed Durham University over its decision to offer support to students who are working as sex workers.
The university brought in the external 'Students Involved in the Adult Sex Industry' session in a bid to ensure students who may be vulnerable or at risk "are protected and have access to the support to which they are entitled".
However, the decision was criticised by the Government Minister for higher and further education, Michelle Donelan - while The Times newspaper's online coverage ran with the headline "Durham University trains its students to be sex workers".
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The newspaper has since changed the headline to " Durham University offers safety training for student sex workers".
Durham City MP Mary Foy has now issued a statement criticising both Ms Donelan and The Times over the story and backing the university's decision.
The Labour MP said: "The Minister for higher and further education, Michelle Donelan MP and The Times, have categorically failed Durham University and its students.
"Following contact with the Vice Chancellor, Director of Advancement and the Durham Students' Union this afternoon, I feel confident in offering my support to the University.
"The university consulted carefully before deciding to provide this support, engaging with student representatives, members of the university's sexual misconduct and violence operations group, equality, diversity, and inclusion unit, counselling and mental health service and safeguarding representatives.
"This was not a decision made on a whim or to promote sex-work. The safety and well-being of students in Durham is paramount and I would urge the Minister to reconsider her comments."
Ms Doneland had said she was "deeply concerned by the move" and argued it was "legitimising a dangerous industry which thrives on the exploitation of women."
Durham University responded by saying the session told students they can "receive appropriate support and feel comfortable in requesting it."
However, the move was also criticised by Labour MP Diane Abbott, who took to Twitter and described it as "horrific."
Horrific that Durham University is offering training to students who want to be sex workers part-time. Sex work is degrading, dangerous and exploitative. Uni should have nothing to do with it https://t.co/BpuVdaLTmN
— Diane Abbott MP (@HackneyAbbott)
She wrote: "Horrific that Durham University is offering training to students who want to be sex workers part-time. Sex work is degrading, dangerous and exploitative. Uni should have nothing to do with it."
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