More than a third of university students believe Reform UK politicians should be barred from speaking on campus, according to a survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi). The poll of student attitudes towards free speech found that while 69% agreed universities should “never limit free speech”, many supported specific bans on political parties.
The survey revealed that 35% of students would bar Reform UK speakers, including 41% of those who voted for the party in the 2024 general election. Meanwhile, 16% wanted Labour banned, including 23% of Labour voters. Only 18% supported allowing all political parties to speak on campus.
Nick Hillman, Hepi’s director, described the findings as “contradictory” and said he was shocked by the opposition to Reform UK. “The best way to take down democratic political parties that you disagree with is surely through free, fair and fierce debate,” he said.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice called the results “appalling” and urged the government to cut university funding. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said no legitimate political party should be barred, emphasising universities’ responsibility to uphold free speech within the law.
The survey also found that 71% of students supported laws requiring universities to promote free speech, but many backed scenarios that could breach those laws. For instance, 38% said academics using “offensive material” in teaching should be fired, while 64% agreed that protecting minorities could outweigh unlimited free expression.
