Queen Mary encampment. Photo: James Ivens
Queen Mary encampment. Photo: James Ivens

Niven Day, Liverpool Socialist Students

Labour is bringing back Tory so-called ‘freedom of speech’ legislation. Labour education secretary Bridget Phillipson stated: “Academic freedom of speech was much more important than the wishes of some students not to be offended”. The question is – freedom of speech for who?

It seems that the idea of ‘preserving freedom of speech’ does not extend to demonstrations. We have seen the escalation of police force at recent protests, including Gaza demos, with stewards being arrested (see ‘Labour and Met conspire to repress Gaza demonstrators’).

Labour’s perception of ‘freedom of speech’ rejects protecting anything that remotely challenges the capitalist institutions that it seeks to defend – the Israeli government, banks, weapons factories, etc.

The bill will also provide greater powers to the undemocratic misnamed Office for Students, set up by the Tories in 2018. The Office for Students will have the power to fine, and potentially ban, universities and student unions that do not comply. Unions should not have to be held in the shackles of a party or government, especially one that serves capitalism not the working class.       

To help it push these anti-democratic changes, Labour is simultaneously banning uni bosses from using non-disclosure agreements to silence victims of bullying and sexual harassment on campus. The Office for Students, again, will be given these powers. But it can’t be trusted to safeguard the interests of students.

Facing up to the reality of the higher education funding crisis, Labour has removed the ability for people to be able to sue universities for failing to protect ‘freedom of speech’. But this is obviously not enough to protect the future of higher education. Labour has already increased tuition fees, putting more strain on working-class students, amidst cuts to education and other public services.

The only way to achieve genuine freedom of expression on campus is via elected committees, consisting of university staff, students, and the local community, under a fully public education system, shielded from the jaws of capitalism. This law will not do that.