AUDIENCE members who attended a lecture by Israeli ambassador to the UK Daniel Taub at the University of Glasgow have defended the visit after it was criticised by some staff members.

More than 20 lecturers and professors signed an open letter to The Herald to express their dismay at the decision to invite Mr Taub to speak at the School of Law on the subject of international relations.

The staff members said that his presence on campus would damage relationships made with Palestinian academics and institutions and also criticised the level of security put in place to facilitate the visit, which took place amid protests from pro-Palestinian groups.

However, those who attended talk on Monday said that it was important to hear from all sides of the debate.

Professor Peter Jackson of Global security studies: "It has been a grand success to have such a high calibre speaker on the topic of negotiation. We are for free speech and should be encouraging it.

"I would rather see students passionate about politics and it was a great opportunity for students to have their questions on the issues answered. I could not be happier with how the session went."

Global security student Alex Piscioneri said: "I am grateful that the ambassador visited my university. He is an excellent, articulate speaker and it would be a privilege to have him on my side in a negotiation.

"It is my role as a student to learn, you have to understand both sides and I didn't feel I should have to miss out on the ambassador speaking just because of a few people shouting outside'

Michelle Vanderstighelen, international law masters student, added: "Hearing the ambassador talk was very informative and I learnt a lot that I would never have heard on mainstream news. Each side has to have their own say, their must be open dialogue, I just don't think boycotting speech helps anybody"

The University has also defended the lecture, and said that it plans to host a similar talk by a member of the Palestinian mission to the Uk next month.

ends