UK Student Survey Reveals Deep Divisions on Free Speech for Reform UK Politicians on Campuses

Students Hold 'Contradictory' Views on Campus Free Speech

A new survey conducted by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Savanta has revealed a complex and often contradictory landscape of student attitudes towards free speech on UK university campuses. The poll, carried out in November 2025, found that a significant proportion of students, 35%, believe that politicians from Reform UK should be prohibited from speaking at university events.

This finding emerges despite 69% of students simultaneously agreeing that universities 'should never limit free speech,' a slight increase compared to previous years. The survey, which polled 1,012 undergraduate students, underscores a nuanced approach to free expression, where the principle of unlimited speech is widely supported, yet specific bans on certain political groups also garner considerable backing.

Specific Bans and Shifting Perceptions

The 35% figure for Reform UK represents a higher proportion than for other political parties or groups in previous surveys. For instance, in 2016, 31% of students wanted the British National Party (BNP) banned, and in 2022, 26% sought to ban the English Defence League (EDL). The recent poll also indicated that 16% of students would ban Labour politicians, and 12% would ban Conservative politicians from speaking on campus.

While a large majority, 90%, of students reported feeling personally able to express their views without hindrance, nearly half (47%) agreed that universities are becoming less tolerant of diverse viewpoints. This figure has almost doubled from 24% in 2016, suggesting a growing concern about the openness of campus discourse.

Legislative Context and Political Reactions

The survey results come after new legislation was introduced last year, mandating universities and colleges to uphold academic freedom and ensure open discussion on campuses without censorship. The Office for Students (OfS), the higher education regulator, now has the power to investigate and impose fines on institutions that fail to protect free speech rights. In line with this, 71% of students expressed support for laws requiring universities to promote free speech.

However, the findings also highlight a tension between free speech and protection from discrimination. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of students agreed that 'protection from discrimination and ensuring the dignity of minorities could be more important than unlimited freedom of expression.'

Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, described the survey's findings as 'appalling.' He stated that 'British universities abandoned being centres of genuine learning, rigorous debate and intellectual challenge long ago, instead opting to become echo chambers of far-left indoctrination run by activist academics.' Reform UK's stated policies include funding cuts for universities that 'curb free speech' and a ban on 'transgender ideology' in schools.