According to a new survey that highlights mixed and sometimes conflicting views on free speech, about one in three students believe politicians from Reform UK should be barred from speaking on university campuses.
The poll, conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), found that 35% of students supported banning Reform UK speakers. This included 41% of students who said they voted for Reform in the 2024 general election. At the same time, 69% of respondents said universities should never restrict free speech, revealing a clear contradiction in attitudes.
Similar views were expressed about other parties. Sixteen per cent of students said Labour politicians should be barred from campus events, including nearly a quarter of Labour voters. Overall, only 18% of students supported allowing all political parties to speak freely at universities.
Hepi said the findings showed that while support for free speech as a principle is growing, backing for specific restrictions is also increasing. The institute described student attitudes as nuanced but often inconsistent.
Hepi Director Nick Hillman said he was surprised by the level of opposition to Reform UK speakers, arguing that open debate was the best way to challenge political views students disagreed with. He also noted that many students supported government efforts to strengthen free speech protections in universities.
Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticised the findings, accusing universities of becoming politically biased and calling for funding cuts if the situation does not change.
The survey comes as new powers allow the Office for Students to investigate free speech complaints, amid ongoing debate over balancing free expression with protecting minorities on campus.
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