Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will issue guidance to universities on the misuse of data protection law and non-cooperation with security requirements in relation to upholding free speech.

The previous Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation held a free speech summit in May, where sector leaders agreed to collectively develop a single piece of guidance. The government has worked alongside sector leaders to set out key principles for universities and student unions managing free speech. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission will be publishing guidance in 2019 on how to ensure that freedom of speech within the law is upheld effectively in higher education institutions, whilst acknowledging their other legal duties.