MPs warn free speech is being put at risk in university

FREE SPEECH at UK universities is being put at risk, MPs and peers have warned.

A new report argues that free speech on campus is being hampered by factors such as intolerant attitudes and unacceptable behaviour, red tape and a lack of clear guidance.

It warns that whole universities cannot be “safe spaces” and they must be places where unpopular and controversial ideas can be heard and debated.

The findings, published by the Joint Committee on Human Rights, come amid continuing debate about free speech at universities.

There have been reports of speakers, debates, literature and organisations being opposed or criticised, often by student unions, societies or specific groups of students.

The report notes that former Universities Minister Jo Johnson previously raised concerns about “no-platforming” and “safe space” policies being used to stifle discussion and cited student protests against events featuring speakers such as campaigners Peter Tatchell and Julie Bindel as examples of groups seeking to shut down debate rather than confront ideas.

Chris Hale, director of policy at Universities UK, said: “Universities are absolutely committed to promoting and securing free speech and will not allow legitimate speech to be stifled.

“There is already a legal duty on the higher-education sector to secure free speech within the law and universities have developed policies in this area.

“As the report states, there is little hard evidence of a systematic problem of free speech in universities.

“But, despite the thousands of events that go ahead across the sector without incident, a small number of flashpoints and challenges do arise from time to time.”