A free speech safeguard has been introduced into a new anti-terror Bill, following widespread concerns that Christian Unions and other university societies could face censorship.
Warnings about the threat to free speech have come from student charity UCCF, university leaders, a top QC and numerous Peers. Under the draft guidance for the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill, university societies would be forced to hand over presentations to be vetted.
However, on 4 February, the Government introduced an amendment which requires universities to give ‘particular regard’ to freedom of speech when fulfilling their duty to combat terrorism.
