This report analyses the state of debate on UK university campuses, with particular reference to student debating societies. It finds existing problems include a lot of ‘quiet’ no-platforming, meaning students are put off from inviting external speakers by the hassle, cost and risk of controversy. While rejecting the idea that there is a free speech crisis, the report nonetheless recommends improvements to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill to ensure it encourages lively, illuminating and well-attended events.
The 19 societies considered in detail in the paper are:
- Aberdeen Politics and International Relations
- Bristol Politics
- Cambridge Union
- Cardiff Politics
- Durham Union
- Essex Politics
- Hull Politics
- Imperial Debating
- Lancaster Politics
- LSE Debate
- Nottingham Politics
- Oxford Union
- Reading Politics
- Sheffield Politics
- Southampton Politics
- Stirling Politics
- Sussex Politics
- UCL Debating
- Warwick Union