Russell Group responds to Lords amendments on Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

22 March 2023

In response to the Lords amendments tabled to the Government’s Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, a Russell Group spokesperson said:

"The safeguards added today will go some way to reducing the risk of the tort creating unnecessary bureaucracy and ensure it is used as a backstop to existing processes rather than for vexatious complaints. We are grateful to the Lords for pursuing the amendment and welcome the Government’s decision to support it.

"Our universities will always protect the right to freely express or contest ideas and opinions. We will continue to work with Government and the OfS when this Bill becomes law to ensure it provides genuine protections for those rights."

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