Universities: Freedom of Expression
(asked on 9th February 2026) - View Source
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government what action they have taken to protect academic freedom and free speech on university campuses.
This question was answered on 16th February 2026
This government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom. The department commenced the following provisions, which came into force from 1 August 2025:
- Strengthened higher education (HE) provider duties in relation to securing and promoting the importance of freedom of speech and academic freedom.
- A requirement for HE providers to put in place effective codes of practice on freedom of speech and academic freedom.
- A ban of non-disclosure agreements in HE for staff and students where there is a complaint about bullying, harassment and sexual misconduct.
- A requirement for the Office for Students (OfS) to promote free speech, and enable the OfS to give advice and guidance on it.
The OfS has also issued extensive guidance to HE providers on commencement of their duties.
We are seeking a suitable legislative vehicle to amend and repeal elements of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 at the earliest opportunity.