Examination of Witnesses

Part of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 10:31 am ar 7 Medi 2021.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Charlotte Nichols Charlotte Nichols Shadow Minister (Equalities Office) 10:31, 7 Medi 2021

Q My question is to Mr Phillips, and is particularly around some of what we discussed about the porter you mentioned. Fundamentally, this is a very thin Bill. As Professor Biggar mentioned, there are clear implications for its interaction with other existing legislation, not least the Equality Act. Where it talks about being within the limits of lawful free speech, that does not extend the existing rights particularly. We have heard about all sorts of potential unintended negative consequences, but do you believe that the Bill, as it is written as a thin piece of legislation, is actually just about moral panic about the Equality Act and young people being too woke for the Government, as opposed to a genuine issue that needs tackling in this way?