A DISTRICT MP says universities should by law have to uphold freedom of speech – or face a fine.
Philip Davies, whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme, claims free speech is under threat in university institutions.
He says students should have the confidence and protection to debate issues without fear of persecution.
Mr Davies is backing a Freedom of Speech (Universities) Bill.
He said: “In Parliament MPs guard freedom of speech very dearly, but we do not often allow our constituents and others the same freedoms.
“Freedom of speech in this country is something we have long held close and we need to ensure it continues.
“We are in danger of throwing it away needlessly because the politically-correct brigade take offence. Allowing someone to have an opinion and express it does not mean you agree with it, or have to agree with it. It means you believe in the right to free speech and while I often will disagree with things people say, I’ll always defend their right to say it.”
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