Government focus on free speech in universities is a distraction and ministers should not “pick fights with students”, Labour’s shadow education secretary has said.
The Higher Education Free Speech Bill would introduce a requirement for universities and student unions to protect freedom of speech, including a new “free speech champion” who would investigate no-platforming cases.
The Bill, first introduced by former education secretary Gavin Williamson, is due to have its third reading in the Commons on Monday.
Bridget Phillipson told the PA news agency the focus on free speech on campuses is a distraction from the Government’s “failure” on wider issues.
