Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Sion Simon (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 10 January 2008 on behalf of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills.

Academic Freedom

Question: How could such a definition be used to help combat the growth, such as it is, of extremism on university campuses, where surely, of all places, intolerance of any kind, particularly intellectual intolerance, should not be allowed to flourish?

Answer: I very much agree with the thrust of my hon. Friend's question. I recently gave a major lecture on the importance of academic freedom; I argued that within such freedom lies one of the most powerful means at our disposal to refute violent extremist views on campus and promote a cohesive community. I strongly believe that academics must use the tools of their trade to expose the faulty logic and flawed arguments of those in favour of violent, extremist solutions.

Secondary information