Our response to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act pause

We welcome the announcement from the Secretary of State for Education to pause the commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.  

Freedom of speech is a vital part of every students’ educational experience across the UK. Students’ unions facilitate thousands of guest speakers, debates and societies that give students opportunities to engage with a wide range of views and perspectives on an even wider variety of topics.  

Throughout the consultation process, students’ unions, universities and sector bodies have all raised concerns about the practicalities of the new legislation and the potential impact on marginalised students. We are supportive of this pause as the Secretary of State considers the options available to them.

We look forward to working with them as they decide a path forward.