Free Speech Complaints Scheme Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Work and Pensions
Lord Mohammed of Tinsley
Main Page: Lord Mohammed of Tinsley (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)Department Debates - View all Lord Mohammed of Tinsley's debates with the Department for Work and Pensions
Free Speech Complaints Scheme
Lord Mohammed of Tinsley Excerpts(1 day, 11 hours ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)
Students can already express complaints through the Office of the Independent Adjudicator. The plan for the complaints scheme was that it should focus on staff, visiting speakers and members. The noble Lord has talked to me about his alternative proposal. It is one that, along with other options, we are considering.
Lord Mohammed of Tinsley (LD)
My Lords, if freedom of expression is a priority for this Government, why have they not considered short, stand-alone legislation, similar to the medical training Bill that we will debate later this afternoon, so that any issues could be resolved quickly and not leave academics in legal limbo for years to come?
Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)
We will not be leaving academics in legal limbo. Freedom of speech is undoubtedly a priority for this Government. It was a Labour Government who first enshrined freedom of expression in law through the Human Rights Act.