Response to the government update on free speech at universities

15 January 2025

Responding to today’s government announcement on free speech in universities, including an update on the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

“The government’s decision to pause the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act last summer was the right one, allowing time to understand its impact and ensure new legislation is fit for purpose and proportionate. We are supportive of the revisions announced today, in particular the removal of the statutory tort, which risked cooling rather than encouraging debate given the potential for vexatious claims and costly legal action.

“Our universities continue to take matters relating to freedom of speech very seriously and are committed to creating an environment on campus where all ideas, especially the controversial ones, can be expressed and debated. We will work closely with government and the Office for Students as they implement the revised legislation and regulation, to ensure we continue to protect free speech and academic freedom on our campuses”.

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