Labour says Tory law against 'cancel culture' at woke universities could be axed because it is a 'burden'
The Tories' law against woke 'cancel culture' at universities could be axed, it was revealed today.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced she is considering repealing the legislation designed to protect freedom of speech.
The measures introduced last year allow for fines for universities that fail to guarantee rights on campus for students, staff and visiting speakers.
It also saw the appointment of Professor Arif Ahmed as the Government's free-speech tsar.
However, in a written statement to Parliament this morning Ms Phillipson said had halted the activation of the law, and was 'considering options, including its repeal'.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced she is considering repealing the legislation designed to protect freedom of speech
Boris Johnson pledged the law in response to concerns about the rise of 'no-platforming' on campuses
'I am aware of concerns that the Act would be burdensome on providers and on the Office for Students, and I will confirm my long term plans as soon as possible,' she said.
'To enable students to thrive in higher education, I welcome the OfS’s plans to introduce strengthened protections for students facing harassment and sexual misconduct, including relating to the use of non-disclosure agreements in such cases by universities and colleges.'
Boris Johnson pledged the law in response to concerns about the rise of 'no-platforming' on campuses.
In a speech last year, then-education minister Claire Coutinho warned that free speech was being stifled by 'insidious censorship' at woke universities.
Claire Coutinho blasted a 'culture of intimidation', saying some institutions were stifling debate with an 'intellectual sedative'.
The MP warned that academics were being forced to stay silent amid fears they will lose their jobs for speaking out on issues such as race and gender.
