UK PM Burnham reacts to death of former Cambridge professor

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the death of a high-profile Black academic accused of plagiarism and falsifying his achievements should serve as a “moment of reflection”.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Burnham said Jason Arday’s death was “a tragedy on so many levels”.

Arday, 41, was found dead at an address in south London on Friday following intense public and media scrutiny of his academic achievements, including his status as Cambridge University’s youngest-ever Black professor.

Police described his death as “unexpected” but not suspicious.

“It’s not a moment for any rushing to judgment. It’s a moment for reflection, I would say, reflecting on how things came to this,” Burnham said.

Arday’s death has sparked outrage among certain sections of British society, who argue that his treatment by the media was fuelled by racism.

Several activists, journalists and academics have accused Cambridge University of failing in its duty of care to Arday, who resigned from his prestigious post on August 5.

Media outlets, particularly newspapers, have also come under intense scrutiny, with public figures accusing the press of dedicating a disproportionate amount of coverage to the scandal, while far-right figures have been accused of weaponising the affair.