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Freedom of Speech Articles

Government’s Freedom of Speech legislation consulted at Union Assembly

Government’s Freedom of Speech legislation consulted at Union Assembly

Students were consulted on the Higher Education Freedom of Speech Act and how it affects Students’ Union and students at the Union Assembly
Students’ Union release statement in response to “Pro-Life Society” petition

Students’ Union release statement in response to “Pro-Life Society” petition

The Students’ Union Exec team has released a statement outlining their legal position in regards to the creation of and affiliation with new societies
Students’ Union addresses new Freedom of Speech Act

Students’ Union addresses new Freedom of Speech Act

The government’s new Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act will come into force from 1 August 2024 and aims to be a provision for freedom of speech and academic freedom across universities and Students’ Unions
Gary Lineker and the BBC: How a pundit raises critical questions about British media culture

Gary Lineker and the BBC: How a pundit raises critical questions about British media culture

The BBC’s endless drive for absolute impartiality, in the face of a rising culture war, is causing the misrepresentation of public opinion over contentious social issues
Fresh guidelines on free speech at Universities published

Fresh guidelines on free speech at Universities published

Amid fears over self-censorship by students, guidelines have been published about how free speech should be encouraged by universities.
“Uncomfortable” learning “essential”, says higher education regulator

“Uncomfortable” learning “essential”, says higher education regulator

Speaking at Wonkfest higher education conference, Sir Michael Barber told listeners that “uncomfortable” learning was an essential part of the pursuit of the truth

Manchester University questioned over Brexit teaching

Students’ Union Education Officer suggested that “government interfering with academic autonomy is dangerous” as letter is sent to MPs about Brexit teaching

University of Manchester and SU “create a hostile environment for free speech”

The University of Manchester has been rated as one of the worst Russell Group universities for free speech

The triggering: safe spaces are eroding our freedoms

In university campuses across Canada, the United States and Britain is an evil that is triumphing against our freedom. It has led to the erosion of freedoms for many students—not just of speech but also the freedom of expression. But you may well ask me, “Colm, what is this evil you speak of? Is it […]

A Response: We are not sorry for protesting against the Tories

The women responsible for decapitating a cardboard cut-out of Margaret Thatcher at Welcome Fair reply to accusations of “double standards” on the student left

The double standards of the student left

The actions and ideologies of some of the student left are shutting down important debates

Is the Student Union right to ban the Daily Star?

Has the SU gone too far? And if so, how can we tackle the objectification of women in such publications?

UCL comes under fire after threatening student journalist with expulsion

A young journalist was supposedly threatended with expulsion by UCL executives after she gained access to a confidential report forecasting the university profits from accommodation fees

In conversation with Qaisra Shahraz

Books Editor Yasmin Mannan talks to the author and University of Manchester alumnus Qaisra Shahraz about writing, injustice, feminism, radicalisation, Muslim-Jewish relations, freedom of speech, Prevent, and the struggle of identity

Universities criticised for censoring freedom of speech

Julie Bindel has spoken out against the dangers of censorship which occurs at universities, with the University of Manchester being ranked by a survey as one of the worst offenders

Union and university slated for attitudes to free speech

In their second year of ranking institutions based on how well freedom of speech is protected, Spiked found that 90 per cent curb free speech

Sussex’s student newspaper seized by union

Sussex University’s student newspaper, The Badger, dismisses Union regulation demands

Integrity and personal freedom of speech

Lauren Wills defends the inviolable right to freedom of speech and how it should be used to criticise intolerant and hateful views

Leeds media censorship – hear no evil, speak no evil?

Leeds University Union risk joining the fascists they oppose with motion to censor student media

Interview: Speech Debelle

Phoebe Clarke catches up with London rapper Speech Debelle before the release of her new album.