Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Michelle Donelan and Angela Richardson

Monday 1st November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Angela Richardson (Guildford) (Con)]

I was very sad to see that Professor Kathleen Stock decided to step down from Sussex University following a sustained campaign of bullying and harassment. Will my right hon. Friend outline how the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will uphold freedom of speech in our higher education institutions?

[The Minister for Further and Higher Education (Michelle Donelan)]

I, too, was horrified by what has happened in regard to Professor Stock, who has had to resign due to sustained harassment and bullying. This cannot be tolerated on our campuses, which is why the Government are delivering a freedom of speech and academic freedom Bill that will ensure that universities not only protect, but promote free speech. I welcome at this opportunity—