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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Sally Weale and Ben Quinn

Labour halts Tory law on freedom of speech in English universities

Rows of students wearing gowns and mortarboards clap during a graduation ceremony
The legislation required universities and student unions to take ‘reasonable steps’ to promote free speech, or face sanctions. Photograph: Richard Baker/In Pictures/Getty Images

Powers introduced by the Conservatives to protect freedom of speech in universities have been halted by the new government in a dramatic about-turn, paving the way for ministers to scrap the legislation.

Only days before it was due to come into force, the education secretary said she had decided to “stop further commencement of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, in order to consider options, including its repeal”.

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