Contributions
1,058 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechThis Government are absolutely committed to freedom of speech. The Secretary of State paused the further implementation of the Act to consider options and ensure we get the…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechIt was a Labour Government who enshrined in law the right to freedom of expression, and it is a Labour Government who will again uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom on…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI agree that this is a serious issue, and it was a serious and important decision to make. We need to have the right foundations in place to secure free speech in the long term in…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechYes, I give the hon. Gentleman that reassurance. It is for that reason that we are pausing and making sure that we get this legislation right. Freedom of speech and academic…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechThe hon. Gentleman tempts me into a much broader discussion on higher education. We recognise the challenges, but also the opportunities in this sector. I am sure the Minister for…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI respectfully disagree. Many concerns were expressed that unintended consequences of the Act would create a disproportionate burden, and that is why we have paused it—to step…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI appreciate the hon. Gentleman’s desire to see these changes. However, we want to take the time to get this right. We are absolutely committed to free speech—I have said that a…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechMy hon. Friend makes an important point. The Government will uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom on our university campuses. Robust debate and challenge to views helps…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI thank the hon. Gentleman for his contribution. He is absolutely right. I will make that commitment, which I will pass on to the Minister for Skills and to the Secretary of State.10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI have been very clear that we need to take a constructive approach and to listen to all views on this issue. We need to protect freedom of speech and academic expression, and…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechMy hon. Friend expresses passionate views on this subject, which does incite passionate views, because it is a fundamental freedom that we must protect and uphold. That is why we…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI appreciate the right hon. Gentleman’s thoughtful question. I cannot give him a specific example today. The principle that we are working to is that we are looking in great…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechMy hon. Friend raises an important point, which is why we are currently talking to people with a range of views, including those supportive of the provisions in the Act. We are…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechThe hon. Gentleman has demonstrated well the existing duties on higher education providers to secure lawful freedom of speech and, indeed, the right of citizens to ensure that it…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI know that the hon. Gentleman works hard in this space. I do not disagree with a word he has said. Universities must be a space for robust discussion, and that is why we have…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechMy hon. Friend makes the point well. The Department is absolutely committed to upholding the IHRA definition as well as challenging and educating on issues that a range of hon.…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI absolutely agree with my hon. Friend, and I think that the same principle applies through every aspect of education and childhood, and in every aspect of society too. As a…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechI commend the right hon. Gentleman for his valiant efforts today to uphold his right to speak on this issue. I recognise the challenge of ensuring that we have taken the time to…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechMy hon. Friend raises an important point, and it goes back to what I said previously: this debate is very important. It is important that we have the right framework for freedom…10 Oct 2024HANSARD Universities: Freedom of SpeechThe right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. We are absolutely committed to consulting with a wide range of interests in order to get this legislation right, and I will certainly…10 Oct 2024