Universities: Freedom of Expression
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to uphold free speech in universities.
Answered by Josh MacAlister
Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.
This government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom in universities. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, confirmed to Parliament plans for the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 earlier this year. The new approach will create a more proportionate, balanced and less burdensome approach to protecting academic freedom and freedom of speech.
The following provisions came into force from 1 August 2025:
- Strengthened higher education (HE) provider duties in relation to securing freedom of speech and promoting the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom.
- A requirement for HE providers to put in place effective codes of practice on academic freedom and freedom of speech.
- A ban of non-disclosure agreements in HE for staff and students where there is a complaint about bullying, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
- A requirement for the Office for Students to promote free speech and to provide advice and guidance in support of it.
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