University free speech row as students want Reform UK banned

• A new poll reveals over a third of undergraduate students in Britain believe Reform UK should be banned from speaking at university events.
• Despite this, 69 per cent of students agree universities should never restrict free speech, and 90 per cent feel personally able to express their views.
• Nearly half (47 per cent) of students believe universities are becoming less tolerant of diverse viewpoints, a figure that has almost doubled since 2016.
• The findings follow new legislation introduced last year, empowering the Office for Students to fine universities that fail to protect free speech rights.
• HEPI director Nick Hillman expressed shock at the findings, while Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice criticised universities as “echo chambers”.

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Reform UK should be banned from speaking at universities, more than a third of students say