Students at York University have rejected the chance to link their union with Jerusalem's Hebrew University.

A referendum was initiated by politics student Jacob Campbell, who said he wanted to stand up for Israel and curb anti-Israel and antisemitic activity on British campuses.

York University Students' Union members were asked to vote in favour of working to "build links with students at the Hebrew University" and to encourage York University itself to twin with the Israeli institution.

But the referendum was defeated by 891 votes to 144, with 127 abstentions.

Mr Campbell said: "Israel advocacy is always an uphill battle, especially on British campuses. The fact that this motion was defeated demonstrates exactly why it was so necessary."