Freedom of speech

Free speech helps students develop new ideas. It also drives innovation. But promoting this freedom while protecting staff and student safety can be challenging. We offer universities guidance on how to make space for different views while tackling harassment and discrimination.

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4 July 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

4 July 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill - Second Reading

This briefing provides a short summary of the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required at Second Reading.
22 February 2024 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

22 February 2024 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill briefing, February 2024

Latest briefing on the Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) Bill circulated to peers ahead of second reading on 20 February 2024.
31 October 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

31 October 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Lords Committee Stage

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required.
7 December 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

7 December 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Lords Report Stage

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required at the Bill's Lords Report Stage.
23 June 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

23 June 2022 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Lords Second Reading

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required.
6 July 2021 Freedom of Speech

6 July 2021 Freedom of Speech

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – second reading

A parliamentary briefing on the Freedom of Speech Bill's second reading.
26 January 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

26 January 2023 Parliamentary briefings and submissions

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – Statutory Tort

This briefing presents Universities UK’s concerns around the statutory tort provision of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, ahead of its remaining parliamentary stages. It also outlines assurances we are seeking to the guidance that is being produced by the Office for Students (OfS), in relation to the Bill.
10 June 2022 Teaching, learning and quality

10 June 2022 Teaching, learning and quality

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – third reading

This parliamentary briefing provides a short summary of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, as well as those areas where we feel further clarification and assurances are required.
31 October 2022 News

31 October 2022 News

Higher education sector statement on promoting academic freedom and free speech

This statement, co-signed by organisations across the sector, reaffirms our commitment to upholding and promoting freedom of speech and academic freedom.
12 December 2024 Case study

12 December 2024 Case study

How are universities protecting freedom of speech and academic freedom?

Policy Adviser Beth Cooper shares findings from a survey on freedom of speech and academic freedom.
28 July 2025 Opinion

28 July 2025 Opinion

How are universities supporting community cohesion in and beyond higher education?

Policy Adviser Beth Cooper shares insights gained from sector leaders and community organisations on how universities can support community cohesion in times of social division and escalating global conflicts.
2 October 2023 Publications

2 October 2023 Publications

How can universities prepare for the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act?

Our briefing to support Universities UK (UUK) members ahead of the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act.

Freedom of speech

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