Response to HEPI report on speaker events at university debating unions

13 October 2022

In response to the HEPI report No Platform: Speaker Events at University Debating Unions, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"Exposing students to new ideas and perspectives is a vital part of the university experience so this report is right to highlight the risk of unintended consequences if we get legislation wrong. If university staff or student groups are too worried about legal risks or unnecessary red tape to host a speaker then the government’s free speech bill risks doing exactly what it is trying to prevent.

"Changes are needed to deliver legislation that is proportionate, workable and provides the genuine free speech and academic freedom protections that everyone wants to see."