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Student Unions: Hate Crime and Radicalism

Asked by James NaishLabourDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 26 June 2026UIN 11007

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether her Department plans to add additional regulatory requirements for students’ unions in relation to tackling extremism and hate incidents on campus.

Answered by Josh MacAlister

The department is clear that all students should be able to study in an environment that is safe and free from harassment and intimidation.

The department is strengthening protections for students and staff from extremism and intimidation on campus through measures announced in March 2026, including enhanced monitoring of providers’ Prevent responsibilities by the Office for Students (OfS) and shortly providing updated guidance on managing speakers and events.

The department will continue to work with the higher education sector and the OfS to ensure campuses remain places of open debate and academic freedom, while taking robust action against unlawful hate and extremist activity.

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