Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the action required to safeguard universities as places of (1) free speech, and (2) challenging ideas.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The government supports free speech which generates rigorous debate and advances understanding.

It is the freedom to think independently, express and challenge ideas, and put forward lawful, new and controversial ideas, that makes our universities world-renowned. These are essential skills in a modern, forward-facing society. It is this freedom that the government strives to protect.

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill has been introduced for this reason. The bill will strengthen existing freedom of speech duties and directly address gaps within the existing law. The bill also applies the duties directly to students’ unions and constituent colleges, including those at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.

The changes will introduce clear consequences for breaches of the new duties and ensure that these principles are upheld.

The bill is currently passing through the House of Lords.