A new survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) has revealed contradictory attitudes among UK students towards free speech on university campuses. While 69% of students agreed that universities should 'never limit free speech', 35% said Reform UK politicians should be barred from speaking on campus.
The survey found that support for specific bans extended to other parties, with 16% of students wanting Labour barred, including 23% of those who voted Labour in 2024. Overall, only 18% of students supported allowing all political parties to speak on campus.
Nick Hillman, Hepi's director, expressed shock at the opposition to Reform UK speakers. 'The best way to take down democratic political parties that you disagree with is surely through free, fair and fierce debate,' he said. Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, called the findings 'appalling' and demanded funding cuts for universities.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, stated that 'the UK is a democracy and Universities UK does not share the view that any legitimate political party should be barred from speaking on university campuses.' The survey also found that 71% of students supported laws requiring universities to promote free speech.
However, significant numbers supported scenarios that could breach the law. While 61% said academics should be free to teach or research whatever they want, 64% agreed that protection from discrimination could be more important than unlimited freedom of expression. Additionally, 38% said academics using 'offensive material' in teaching should be fired.
