Empire ball defended by students

An end-of-term-ball with a "British Empire" theme to be held at Cambridge University has attracted criticism.

Organisers of the June ball at Emmanuel College said the theme did not mean the students condoned colonialism, repression or racism.

The organising committee said it had "carefully considered" implications.

An internet networking site has been deluged with critical messages and an anti-fascist group expressed anger through its publication Searchlight.

We appreciate that any historical theme will inevitably have positive and negative connotations

Organising committee spokesman

A spokesman for the organising committee defended the plans and said: "We have taken inspiration from the fashion, style and architecture of Victorian Britain and the rich and diverse cultures that were, for better or for worse, united by the British Empire.

"The committee considered the implications of the theme thoroughly and ensured that we had the support of the college in making our decision.

"We appreciate that any historical theme will inevitably have positive and negative connotations.

"But we are neither advocating nor condoning any point of view associated with the late Victorian period or its subsequent interpretation."