The Government is “to stop further commencement” of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, according to a new statement from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, reports Unherd.
In written remarks to Parliament today, Phillipson said that Labour was considering repealing the bill, which previously amassed cross-party support and was given royal assent in May last year.
“I have written to colleagues separately about my decision to stop further commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, in order to consider options, including its repeal,” Phillipson said.
“I am aware of concerns that the Act would be burdensome on providers and on the Office for Students (OfS), and I will confirm my long-term plans as soon as possible.”
The bill, which was introduced amid accusations of “cancel culture” in the university sector, requires that higher education providers, their constituent institutions, and students’ unions must protect freedom of speech and academic freedom. It also allows individuals to bring a legal case against their institution if it fails to protect their right to free speech.
The Free Speech Union, which advocated for the Bill, has criticised the move. An FSU statement said: “The Government’s attack on the Freedom of Speech Act is shocking. If Labour refuses to commence legislation passed in the last parliament, the Free Speech Union will bring judicial review proceedings.”
In comments made exclusively to UnHerd, FSU Director Toby Young called the decision “deeply depressing”, adding: “I fear it’s a sign of much worse to come, with a Westminster version of the Scottish Hate Crime Act” and “forcing newspapers and magazines to sign up to a state-controlled press regulator”.
Other than the act being “burdensome” to education providers, Phillipson did not elaborate on the reasons for the decision. However, earlier this week the Education Secretary told the BBC that the culture wars on university campuses “end here”.
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