End ban on free speech, minister to tell colleges
Desperate shopping for mum-to-be Eva, 42
EVA Longoria steps out in Miami Beach with her media mogul husband Jose Baston on a last-minute Christmas shopping spree, days after confirming her first pregnancy.
The Desperate Housewives star, 42, and Jose, 49 – known as Pepe – who is president of the largest media company in Latin America, were spotted browsing in an upmarket UNIVERSITIES must maintain the right to free speech and open debate in the face of efforts to stifle them, a Government minister will say today.
In a keynote speech, Universities Minister Jo Johnson will say they must be places that “open minds, not close them”, where ideas can be challenged. His call comes amid concerns that universities and student groups have become too accustomed to banning controversial speakers under “safe space” policies to avoid causing offence.
Some campuses have reported rises in antiSemitism and tensions over issues such as Brexit.
There have also been campaigns to remove statues and names commemorating unpopular figures including British imperialist Cecil Rhodes.
Mr Johnson, younger brother of Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, today addresses the Limmud festival of Jewish learning and culture, taking place at Pendigo Lake, Birmingham.
Mr Johnson, who in October said new watchdog the Office for Students could fine universities which failed to uphold freedom of speech, is due to say: “In universities in America, and worryingly in the UK, we have seen examples of groups seeking to stifle those who do not agree with them.
“We must not allow this to happen. Young people should have the resilience and confidence to challenge controversial opinions and take part in open, frank and rigorous discussions.”
He will add there are plans to make colleges which receive public money show their governance is “consistent with the principle of free speech”.
Universities UK chief executive Alistair Jarvis said that colleges were “absolutely committed” to promoting free speech. cookware store on Christmas Eve while staying with friends.
The couple, who met in 2013, married last May in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, with guests including David and Victoria Beckham, Ricky Martin and Eva’s Desperate Housewives co-star Felicity Huffman.
Eva batted away pregnancy rumours while on holiday in Greece in September but last week confirmed she was four months pregnant. She is said to be expecting a boy.
Eva was married to actor Tyler Christopher, 44, from 2002 to 2004 and basketball player Tony Parker, 35, from 2007 until 2011.
Jose has four children from a previous relationship.