Clause 1 - Duties of registered higher education providers

Part of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 2:00 pm on 15 September 2021.

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Photo of Fiona Bruce Fiona Bruce Conservative, Congleton 2:00, 15 September 2021

I thank the hon. Lady for that gracious intervention. It is a pity that I cannot speak to amendment 60 in the same moment, because I think that would help clarify my reasoning for this amendment. I am concerned that without the express inclusion of students, there is a risk that those most vulnerable to self-censorship and adverse consequences in academia, such as being marked down, will remain unprotected.

There is the argument that freedom of speech, as referred to in the Bill, is sufficient to adequately cover students without the need to cover them through the term “academic freedom”. However, I would question that, as demonstrated by the examples I have given involving Professor Biggar and the midwifery student. I look forward to the Minister’s comments and ask her to consider the amendment as the Bill progresses.