A significant new survey has revealed a complex and seemingly contradictory picture of student attitudes towards free speech at British universities, with more than a third calling for Reform UK politicians to be barred from speaking on campus.
Principle vs Practice: A Confusing Picture
The study, conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), found that while a strong majority of 69% of students believe universities should "never limit free speech", similar proportions also supported specific bans on political parties. This tension between broad principle and specific restriction has left analysts puzzled.
Nick Hillman, Hepi’s director, described the results as nuanced and sometimes contradictory. "Today’s students are more definite in their views than their predecessors," he said. "Confusingly, however, they offer stronger support for the principle of free speech while also being even keener to see specific barriers against free expression."
Support for Bans Extends to Own Voters
The survey's most striking finding is that 35% of all students believe Reform UK politicians should be prevented from speaking at universities. Intriguingly, this sentiment extends to the party's own supporters, with 41% of those who voted for Reform in the 2024 general election also backing a speaking ban.
This pattern is not exclusive to one party. Some 16% of all students wanted Labour speakers barred, a view shared by 23% of those who voted for Labour. Overall, only a small minority of 18% of students supported allowing all political parties to speak freely on campus.
Reactions and Regulatory Context
Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, condemned the findings as "appalling" and called for government grant funding to be pulled from universities unless the culture changes. "British universities abandoned being centres of genuine learning, rigorous debate and intellectual challenge long ago," he claimed, "instead opting to become echo chambers of far-left indoctrination."
Hillman expressed shock at the level of opposition to Reform, arguing that "the best way to take down democratic political parties that you disagree with is surely through free, fair and fierce debate." He noted, however, that the survey also showed student support for the government's legislative efforts to promote free speech within higher education.
The research comes as the Office for Students, England's higher education regulator, has been granted new powers to investigate complaints about infringements of free speech rights from speakers, students, and staff.
Broader Ambiguities on Academic Freedom
The contradictions extend beyond party politics. While 71% of students supported laws requiring universities to promote free speech, significant numbers also backed scenarios that could breach such laws. Furthermore, 61% said academics should be free to teach or research whatever they want, yet 64% agreed that protecting minorities from discrimination could be more important than unlimited free expression.
In a later question, 38% stated that academics who use "offensive material" in teaching should be fired. Hillman suggested this indicates students recognise they may not always be well equipped to draw their own lines on free speech matters.
The survey paints a portrait of a student body deeply committed to the ideal of free expression in theory, yet willing to sanction considerable limitations in practice, creating a challenging landscape for university leaders navigating these contentious issues.
