Key Facts

• Amendment 72 inserts new text into Clause 1, page 2, line 36.
• Reports must be provided at least once a quarter.
• The amendment aims to address concerns over self-censorship and inhibited freedom of speech in higher education institutions.
• The amendment adds to clause 1, line 36 of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill.
• Universities are required to present reports detailing steps taken to fulfill positive duties under subsection (2).
• Reporting is to occur at least once a quarter.
• The amendment requires a report detailing steps taken by organisations to fulfil their positive duties under subsection (2).
• There are concerns about defining freedom of speech and creating a standard format for all institutions.
• The MP believes the Bill is unnecessary and impractical, suggesting it interferes with self-governance in higher education.
• The Bill's costs are estimated at £48 million over 10 years.
• Universities face huge demands with the REF and TEF frameworks.
• Dr Greg Walker of MillionPlus warned about adding unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on universities.
• The amendment seeks to require quarterly reporting to the OfS by higher education providers.
• Providers already have clear requirements under registration conditions in the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
• Clause 5 of the Bill will provide new mandatory registration conditions related to freedom of speech.
• Amendment aims to create greater certainty and clarity for universities regarding free speech duties.
• The role of a new director is discussed as a means to elicit information from universities.
• Concerns are raised about political bias in appointments and the need for clear criteria and sanctions.
• Amendment 76 would provide a democratic procedure for inviting or withholding invitations to speakers.
• Amendment 74 aims to ensure university authorities set out procedures to facilitate peaceful protest and engage with campus stakeholders on code amendments.
• The speaker references the Manchester principles, which involve advertising events in advance to allow students to object if necessary.
• The MP criticizes the government's approach as being overly centralised and authoritarian.
• Sir Charles Dunstone resigned from the Royal Museums Greenwich due to Government interference.
• Trevor Phillips stated that a right to protest already exists in common law, but it is challenged by current Government actions.
• Professor Whittle expressed concern that the Bill will provide an additional chilling effect on potential protesters.
• The Bill aims to establish a code of practice.
• Mr McDonnell draws on his experience from the late 1970s regarding community engagement during protests and police actions.
• He references an incident where racial tensions led to riotous behaviour after a march by far-right groups in Southall.
• Amendments suggest including consultations and ballots as part of decision-making processes.
• Blair Peach was killed during protests against the rise of the National Front.
• There were commemorations for Blair Peach only 18 months ago and again a few months prior.
• The MP emphasizes the importance of consultation, engagement, and democratic decision-making to inform judgments on contentious issues.
• Amendment 74 seeks to ensure procedures for peaceful protest and engagement with campus stakeholders.
• Amendments 75 and 76 would require a democratic procedure for decisions on premises use and code amendments.
• Providers are required to maintain a code of practice under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
• The amendment was defeated by a vote of Ayes 6, Noes 9.
• Further consideration of the bill was ordered to be adjourned until later that day.