Government set to reintroduce controversial university free speech law

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Legislation to protect freedom of speech on university campuses is back on the government agenda, after Labour initially halted plans due to concerns over student welfare. The Higher Education Freedom of Speech Act offered a number of controversial powers, as the regulatory Office for Students could fine and sanction universities, higher education providers and student unions for failing to uphold free speech. At the time she said: “I am aware of concerns that the Act would be burdensome on providers and on the OfS, and I will confirm my long-term plans as soon as possible.” She suggested the Act offered the potential to allow for hate speech, including Holocaust denial, on campus. He said that while it was well-intentioned, “it risked enabling antisemitic extremists to access university campuses by severely impacting the ability of universities to block their presence.” The Tories called Labour’s decision to halt the legislation “chilling” in October 2024, to which education minister Catherine McKinnell responded: “This Government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech.” Former education secretary Gavin Williamson originally said the legislation would allow speakers to “articulate views which others may disagree with as long as they don’t meet the threshold of hate speech or inciting violence”.