A significant new survey has exposed a complex and contradictory picture of student attitudes towards free speech and tolerance on British university campuses.
The Contradiction at the Heart of Campus Views
The poll, published on Thursday 15 January 2026, found that more than a third of undergraduate students in Britain believe the political party Reform UK should be banned from speaking at university events. This demand for censorship exists alongside a strong stated belief in the principle of free expression.
Despite the call to ban Reform UK, a substantial majority of students—69 per cent—concurrently agree that universities should never restrict free speech. Furthermore, an overwhelming 90 per cent of respondents reported feeling personally able to express their own views freely within their university environment.
A Growing Perception of Intolerance
The research indicates a deepening concern about the climate for diverse opinions in higher education. Nearly half (47 per cent) of students now believe universities are becoming less tolerant of a wide range of viewpoints.
This figure marks a dramatic shift, having almost doubled since 2016, suggesting a rapid evolution in campus culture and student perceptions over the past decade.
Policy Context and Political Reaction
These findings emerge in the wake of new legislation introduced last year, which strengthened the powers of the Office for Students (OfS). The regulator can now impose fines on universities that fail to adequately protect lawful free speech and academic freedom.
The survey results prompted strong reactions from figures across the political and educational spectrum. Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), which is associated with the poll, expressed his shock at the contradictory attitudes revealed.
Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, seized on the data to criticise the modern university environment. He described campuses as fostering “echo chambers” that are hostile to alternative political perspectives, a claim the poll data appears to partially support.
The poll underscores a challenging landscape for university administrators, who must balance legal duties to protect free speech with managing student welfare and demands for safe, inclusive spaces. The tension between the principle of open debate and the desire to restrict certain voices presents an ongoing dilemma for higher education policy across the UK.
