Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Freedom of Speech in Education

Monday 23 May 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions on freedom of speech in education took place on 2022-05-23.
  • John Hayes from South Holland and The Deepings inquired about progress in protecting freedom of speech in education.
  • The Government committed to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill to ensure free speech for staff and students.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings
Education Women & Equalities
Context

The backdrop against which the debate is taking place includes universities using the Equality Act 2010 to prioritize preventing distress over free speech. A recent case involving Dr Sarkar at Oxford University exemplifies this issue.

Question

What progress has been made on helping to protect freedom of speech in education? The Government's commitment to free speech and academic freedom in universities is commendable, but the situation remains concerning with universities continuing to use the Equality Act 2010. Will a review be conducted before the Bill reaches the statute book to ensure that academics and students can speak freely?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The Government maintains its commitment to addressing abhorrent issues such as antisemitism while ensuring that universities balance their legal duties. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will place specific duties on students' unions to secure freedom of speech for staff, students and visiting speakers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not commit to conducting a review or issuing fresh guidance before the bill is enacted.

How: I Shall Attempt To Be Pithy, Mr Speaker.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 John Hayes Con South Holland and The Deepings
Education Women & Equalities
Context

Universities are using the Equality Act 2010 to prioritize preventing distress over free speech, exemplified by Dr Sarkar's case at Oxford University.

Question

As the Secretary of State says, it is right and just that we are in the vanguard of the fight for free speech. As the Bill that will ensure this progresses through the House, the backdrop against which we debate it is disturbing with universities continuing to use the Equality Act 2010. Will the Secretary of State conduct a review of free speech policies at universities and issue fresh guidance if necessary before the Bill reaches the statute book?

Answer from Nadhim Zahawi

The Government maintains its commitment to addressing abhorrent issues such as antisemitism while ensuring that universities balance their legal duties. The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will place specific duties on students' unions to secure freedom of speech for staff, students and visiting speakers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not commit to conducting a review or issuing fresh guidance before the bill is enacted.

How: I Shall Attempt To Be Pithy, Mr Speaker.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email