Government will not pursue University Free Speech Bill
Free speech campaigners were shocked by the repeal of the bill, labeled as ‘burdensome and damaging’ by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
The Labour government has announced the revocation of a free speech law for university campuses just days before it was scheduled to be enacted.
The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, established by the former Tory government, introduced new obligations on universities, colleges, and their student unions to enhance free speech and academic freedom.
However, in a statement on Friday, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that the decision to withdraw the law reflects “widespread concern that the legislation is disproportionate, burdensome, and damaging to the welfare of students while failing to address hate speech on campuses.”
The law was supposed to take effect on Aug. 1.
‘Political Battlefield’
“For too long, universities have been a political battleground and treated with contempt, rather than as a public good, diverting attention from the core issues they face,” Ms. Phillipson said.
She noted that the move “will sharpen the focus of the Office for Students, with greater emphasis on ensuring the financial stability of the sector.”
“This legislation could expose students to harm and appalling hate speech on campuses,” she added.
‘Complete Intolerance of Opposing Ideas’
The bill was designed to give a more prominent role to the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England, in promoting free speech.
The legislation would have required institutions to take steps to promote free speech within the law, rather than just securing it.
The former government argued that British institutions had fostered a “complete intolerance of opposing ideas” and that legislation “with teeth” was necessary.
Research from conservative think tank Policy Exchange showed that 32 percent of right-wing identifying academics refrained from expressing their views in teaching or research. Fifteen percent identifying as politically centrist or left-wing also reported self-censoring.
‘Shocking’
The Free Speech Union (FSU) said they would fight the decision.
FSU founder Toby Young expressed shock at the government’s “attack on the Freedom of Speech Act.”
“If Labour refuses to enact legislation passed in the previous Parliament, the Free Speech Union will pursue judicial review proceedings,” he stated.
“There is a free speech crisis in our universities, and this act, which had cross-party support, aimed to address it,” he added.
Cultural Struggle
Founder and director of Academics For Academic Freedom (AFAF), Dennis Hayes, highlighted that the fight for free speech is ongoing.
Since 2006, AFAF has documented incidents of protests, “no-platforming,” dismissals, and resignations leading to a restriction of freedom of speech on campuses in the UK and Ireland.
“The decision to repeal the law was anticipated but still shocking for many who put in years of work to build it,” he noted.
Mr. Hayes emphasized the importance of continuing the struggle for free speech on campus, regardless of the government in power.
“Fighting for free speech is never-ending and things may become more challenging,” he added.
“If the government introduces new legislation on race, Islamophobia, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion issues, it could limit free speech further,” he warned.
‘Anti-Semitic Extremists’
The Labour government mentioned concerns from groups representing Jewish students that sanctions under the law could compromise the safety and well-being of minority groups.
Phil Rosenberg, president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, supported the decision, stating, “The halt will allow the government to ensure that freedom of speech is protected without enabling purveyors of hate speech.”
