Holocaust deniers will “never, never, never” be protected by the Government’s new freedom of speech laws, the Education Secretary has said.
Gavin Williamson issued a firm defence of the proposed Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, which would give regulators the power to fine universities or students’ unions in England if they fail to protect freedom of expression.
Labour had raised concerns over comments made by universities minister Michelle Donelan during a BBC Radio 4 interview, in which she was asked what impact the reforms would have on the ability of Holocaust deniers to speak on campuses.
Shadow education secretary Kate Green said the legislation appears to offer protection, potentially, to anti-Semites and Holocaust deniers (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
All university students in England will not be allowed to return to campus until mid-May at the earliest, the Government has confirmed.
The Department for Education (DfE) expects all remaining students to be able to return to in-person teaching on campus when further easing of restrictions on social contact indoors is confirmed, which will be no earlier than May 17.
But progression to the next stage of the road map will be dependent on a review of the latest data and the impact of other restrictions being eased this month.
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The decision came after university leaders in England intensified calls for students to be allowed to return to campus as soon as possible as seminars and lectures will be largely coming to an end at many universities by mid-May.