Question to the Home Office:

What recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the effect of the Prevent duty on freedom of speech in (a) higher education, (b) further education and (c) schools.

The Department for Education and the Home Office work closely together to ensure the threat of terrorism is addressed appropriately through our education system.

The Prevent Duty should not suppress or limit lawful free speech and is only relevant where there is a risk that someone may be drawn into terrorism.

As a Government, we are committed to protecting freedom of speech. This will be strengthened with the Freedom of Speech in Higher Education Bill that was recently introduced to Parliament.