Clause 3 - Civil claims

Part of Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 4:00 pm ar 20 Medi 2021.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Matt Western Matt Western Shadow Minister (Education) 4:00, 20 Medi 2021

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The examples that are being cited by lobbyists—perhaps more on the Government side—of where there is perhaps an issue are centred around those bodies. Currently, as we debated on Thursday, they are not included in the Bill.

We believe the tort should be scrapped. We believe it is unnecessary, encourages lawfare against universities and will ultimately end up restricting discussion and debate on our campuses. At the very least, we believe it should be amended with maximum fines. A threshold of harm should be introduced, and it should be restricted to those who are directly affected.

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