Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has commented on the government’s Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill, introduced in parliament today (12 May).

Dr Greg Walker, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“Modern universities give the utmost priority to defending free speech and academic freedom. This is part of our DNA and institutions and requirements in these areas are already enshrined in two acts of parliament and the OfS’s expectations on university governance. The Freedom of Speech Bill announced today should therefore avoid adding unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on universities which would risk diverting resources away from the frontline education of students. MillionPlus will work constructively with parliamentarians during the passage of this bill to ensure this is the case.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. Modern universities: facts and stats