Oral Question·Department for Education
“What steps she is taking to protect freedom of speech at universities.”
Tabled: 22 April 2025Answered: 28 April 2025
Asked by
Chris Ward
Labour — Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Education
Answer from Hansard
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
It was Labour that enshrined freedom of expression into law. That is why in January I announced plans to fix the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, making it robust and workable. Today I signed the commencement regulations to impose stronger free speech duties on higher education providers and the Office for Students from 1 August. We are taking common-sense decisions to fix the foundations of higher education and to deliver change for students.