Bill · started in the Commons
Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023
A Bill to make provision in relation to freedom of speech and academic freedom in higher education institutions and in students’ unions; and for connected purposes.
Now an Act of Parliament
The story so farThe Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 12 May 2021 by Gavin Williamson (Conservative). It completed its passage through Parliament and became law as the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, receiving Royal Assent on 11 May 2023.
Progress through Parliament
- 1st reading Commons 12 May 2021
- 2nd reading Commons 12 Jul 2021
- Ways and Means resolution Commons 12 Jul 2021
- Committee stage Commons 7 Sep to 22 Sep 2021
- Carry-over motion Commons 25 Apr 2022
- 1st reading Commons 11 May 2022
- 2nd reading Commons 11 May 2022
- Report stage Commons 13 Jun 2022
- 3rd reading Commons 13 Jun 2022
- 1st reading Lords 14 Jun 2022
- 2nd reading Lords 28 Jun 2022
- Committee stage Lords 31 Oct to 14 Nov 2022
- Report stage Lords 7 Dec 2022
- 3rd reading Lords 13 Dec 2022
- Programme motion Commons 7 Feb 2023
- Consideration of Lords amendments Commons 7 Feb 2023
- Consideration of Commons amendments and / or reasons Lords 21 Mar 2023
- Consideration of Lords message Commons 2 May 2023
- Consideration of Commons amendments and / or reasons Lords 10 May 2023
- Royal Assent Unassigned 11 May 2023
Votes on this bill
Recorded Commons divisions on this bill, in the order they happened. Each links to who voted which way.
| 12 Jul 2021 | Reasoned Amendment to Second Reading | 216 to 367 | Rejected |
| 13 Jun 2022 | Report stage: New Clause 4 | 150 to 282 | Rejected |
| 13 Jun 2022 | Report Stage: Amendment 17 | 152 to 284 | Rejected |
| 7 Feb 2023 | Motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 10 | 283 to 161 | Passed |
Source: the official bill page. Last updated 3 Oct 2024.