Labour Revives Controversial Free Speech Law

The Labour government is set to revive the controversial Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, originally passed by the Conservatives in 2023, despite previous concerns about potential hate speech on campuses. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced that most sections of the law would be implemented after significant backlash from academics who criticized the initial pause as detrimental to free speech. The reintroduced legislation aims to protect academic freedom against 'cancel culture', though it will omit a contentious clause allowing compensation for infringements of free speech. Critics have previously labeled the act a 'Tory hate charter', fearing it could enable hate speech, with notable opposition from groups like the Union of Jewish Students. Despite these concerns, Phillipson emphasized the importance of maintaining fundamental freedoms on university campuses. The government is working to ensure the law is workable while addressing the criticisms raised during its initial suspension.