First Reading (the Bill is introduced for the first time)

Second Reading

Commons Committee begins – Durham SU’s written evidence to the Committee

Commons Committee ends – though most of the amendments we supported were defeated at the Committee, one good amendment was made: it clarified the situation around collegiate universities, and excluded Durham’s Common Rooms from the scope of the Bill!

Meeting with Matt Western MP (Labour, Warwick and Leamington), Shadow Minister for Higher Education

Article - “Universities should oppose, not just refine, the Free Speech Bill”

Response from Kevan Jones MP (Labour, North Durham) – “If this Bill becomes law, I fear that institutions and student unions will naturally become risk-averse and avoid inviting speakers for fear of financial repercussions if they are subsequently cancelled. In addition, many higher education institutions and colleges may not be able to cope administratively or financially with the additional burdens placed on them. The result will be fewer speakers, fewer debates and an overall reduction in free speech.”

Response from Peter Gibson MP (Conservative, Darlington) – “…I am delighted that the Government introduced the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill…”

Durham SU Campaign update

Twitter Spaces event – we heard from figures from other SUs and the NUS, academic and higher education policy experts and progressive activists about the dangers of the Free Speech Bill, and what we can do to oppose it!

Carry-over Motion – As the parliamentary session came to an end, the Free Speech Bill had dragged on for so long that it would have fallen automatically – the government stepped in at the last minute and moved a motion to “carry over” the Bill to the next session, giving it another year to try to pass it.

Article - “Whose speech is the Free Speech Bill protecting?”

Celebrating the Bill’s first birthday!

Third Reading and Report

First Reading (Lords)

Second Reading (Lords)

Meeting with Lord Willetts (Conservative)

Lords Committee begins

The Bill is currently at the Ping Pong stage between the House of Commons and the House of Lords

An amendment is being tabled by Lord Willetts and other members of the House of Lords, which would remove the ability for individuals to sue universities and SUs – one of our major campaign points! You can find a member of the House of Lords and ask them to support this amendment too. Some lords have links to particular Durham colleges and academic subject areas – if you’d like help finding a lord to contact, or with writing an email to them, just get in touch at su.opportunities@durham.ac.uk