Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Academic Freedom in Higher Education

Monday 9 September 2024 · 4 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 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government supports academic freedom and robust discussion in higher education.
  • The decision to pause the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act was made to ensure strong, workable legislation and to avoid situations where hate speech is allowed.
  • Officials will engage with a wide range of views to protect female academics and ensure robust education while preventing hate speech on campus.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education
Context

The MP questions the adequacy of current levels of academic freedom.

Question

What assessment has been made of the adequacy of levels of academic freedom in the higher education sector?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The Government supports academic freedom. Higher education should be a space for robust discussion and intellectual rigour, as enshrined in law by a Labour Government. The decision to pause implementation of further parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 was made to ensure a workable legal framework. Officials are consulting stakeholders on all options for protecting academic freedom.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or commitments beyond consultation with stakeholders.

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Q2 Richard Holden Con Basildon and Billericay
Education Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The MP inquires about the financial impact on universities regarding authoritarian regimes.

Question

Can she give a cast-iron guarantee that when deciding to reverse the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, no consideration was given to the consequences for university finances from authoritarian regimes like China?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I can give reassurance. The legislation was carefully examined, and concerns were raised by Jewish groups about unintended consequences. I paused commencement to ensure strong, workable legislation while avoiding a situation where hate speech is allowed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not directly address financial considerations from authoritarian regimes.

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Q3 Tonia Antoniazzi Lab Gower
Women & Equalities
Context

The MP seeks assurances for women academics facing bullying and hounding.

Question

What reassurances can she give me and other women that she will protect female academics, such as Jo Phoenix, Kathleen Stock, and Selina Todd, from being bullied and hounded out of successful university careers?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Strong freedom of expression is important. Officials will engage with a wide range of views to ensure robust education while avoiding situations where hate speech flourishes on campus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific protections or commitments for female academics.

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Q4 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Education Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP inquires about alternative measures after the Government decided not to implement the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act.

Question

Will she clarify her alternative plans to protect academic freedom in higher education?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

Freedom of expression and academic freedom are crucial. The Office for Students sets out duties, many enshrined in law. However, I want to ensure that the Act does not allow hate speech or Holocaust denial on campus.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific alternative plans beyond ensuring no hate speech is allowed.

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