Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill — Clause 4 — Civil claims — 7 Feb 2023 at 18:15

“Freedom is a fragile thing…it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation”.

“to impart ideas, opinions or information… by means of speech, writing or images (including in electronic form)”.

“well-heeled trouble-makers for whom the costs issue would be of no concern at all.”-[Official Report, House of Lords, 14 November 2022; Vol. 825, c. 709.]

“Why would the Government think it appropriate to subject our universities and student unions to any of this legalism?”-[Official Report, House of Lords, 7 December 2022; Vol. 826, c. 210.]

“it is extremely difficult to see what kind of order a court could make in practice that would deal with the situation that has arisen in relation to the non-securing of freedom of speech.” -[Official Report, House of Lords, 14 November 2022; Vol. 825, c. 706.]

“Managing the potential for litigation would…likely create significant administrative and resource burdens without adding to the enhanced protections for free speech introduced by the new OfS complaints process.”

“Why would the Government think it appropriate to subject our universities and student unions to any of this legalism?”

“I stand firm in my belief that the tort is an essential part of the Bill.”

“If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”

“felt like the icing on the cake of a ridiculous system that had let us down. The disciplinary process had failed to sanction a rapist, but was threatening us with sanctions if we talked about it.”

“has been a contentious measure throughout the passage of the Bill”.

“raised concerns that the measure would subject higher education providers, colleges and students’ unions to costly, time consuming and unmeritorious or vexatious claims”.

“conditions of registration on any provider that falls short of the enhanced duties created by this Bill.”

regulatory tools…from simply seeking an action plan from a university…through to imposing fines on an institution if it does not deliver”.-[Official Report, House of Lords, 14 November 2022; Vol. 825, c. 716.]

“could have exactly the opposite effect to the one intended.”

“people who are thinking of…inviting speakers or organising events-

“inhibited from doing so for fear that they could potentially find themselves caught up in complicated and demanding legal action”.

“are an important place in which students with a wide range of political views have their first experience of organising debates, exchanging ideas and disputing.”-[Official Report, House of Lords, 14 November 2022; Vol. 825, c. 713.]

“all that is sacred is profaned”

“All that is solid melts into air”-

Debate in Parliament |