Wednesday 15-01-2025 - 17:33

Today, we welcome the positive result of years of collective campaigning. The revised Freedom of Speech legislation allows students’ unions to continue championing freedom of speech, free from unnecessary regulation or risk. Our voices have been heard, and this legislation is set to reflect and support what is actually happening on the ground in our SUs.  

Together, we have lobbied, and the new government have listened, bringing real change to this bill. As a result, SU regulation is set to be scrapped, the statutory tort is set to be scrapped and the complaints system amended. What remains protects freedom of speech without burdening SUs with lengthy and expensive obligations. 

So what does this mean for SUs? 

• New SU regulation set be to repealed 
• Statutory tort set to be repealed 
• The OfS will not have a duty to assess every single complaint it receives 
• Duty to promote freedom of speech stays 

We couldn’t have done this without our members sharing experiences, gathering evidence and continuously supporting our campaigns. Our collaboration with the Department for Education and UUK has also been vital for this win. Thank you.  

Now, we can get back to the important work of building unshakable SUs that support students in all aspects of campus life, including participating in lively debate.  

If you have any questions, please do get in touch with our Union Development Team. We will find out more about timelines in the coming days and weeks and will keep you updated.