Union drops case for costs against pro-Israel academic

The University and College Union has dropped its costs application against an academic who lost a high-profile harassment case against it.

Academic Ronnie Fraser took the union to an employment tribunal in a landmark case but the tribunal concluded last April his claim that, as a Jew, he suffered harassment as a result of the union’s activities, were “manifestly unmeritorious”.

Fraser, who is a director of Academic Friends of Israel, was described as a “sincere witness” but the case was described as “an impermissable attempt to achieve a political end by litigious means”.

It was reported to have cost UCU more than £500,000 to defend and the union launched a lengthy battle to recoup costs – amid questions over how Fraser would be able to meet any such award of costs against him.

But the saga appeared to be finally over this week, with a spokesperson for Mishcon de Reya, who represented Fraser, saying: “The costs application by the UCU has been settled on confidential terms to the satisfaction of the parties. The UCU has, as a result, withdrawn its application against Mr Fraser.”

Fraser said: “My family and I are very pleased the UCU has withdrawn the application for costs against me.”