Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

The House also considered the Lords amendments on Tuesday 7 February 2023.  The House voted on a Motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 10 to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill. The Higher Education Bill is to make provision in relation to freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education institutions and in students’ unions.

Lords Amendment 10 This amendment seeks to provide a definition of the expression “within the law”, which qualifies the right to freedom of speech that lies at the heart of this bill, in the interests of clarity and legal certainty.

Clause 1, page 2, line 41

at end insert— “within the law” means that the exercise of this freedom is subject to the duty to respect the rights of others and not to do or say anything that is prohibited by any enactment or rule of law.”
I voted against this Motion, which was passed, Ayes: 283, Noes: 161.