Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the summit held on 3 May 2018 to discuss the preparation of new guidance to promote freedom of speech at universities, and the Government response to the Eighth Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, Freedom of Speech in Universities, HC 1279, what plans he has to ensure that representatives of University Israel Societies are involved in the discussions on freedom of speech.

I am working with a number of partners in the Higher Education sector in the development of guidance. This includes the National Union of Students, who represent the majority of student unions including those with Israel societies.

I have asked the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to lead the guidance. As part of their evidence base the EHRC are considering the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ inquiry into freedom of speech in universities. The inquiry heard evidence from representatives of the Union of Jewish Students and university Israel societies.