MPs and peers have told universities that they cannot be “safe spaces” but must allow unpopular and controversial views to be heard on campuses.

Safe space policies are often an expression of intolerance of groups that proffer legal opinions ranging from the pro-life lobby to humanists, MPs said.

The findings by the parliamentary joint committee on human rights will add to pressure on universities to take action against students who try to prevent certain figures from speaking.

The committee, which is chaired by Harriet Harman, the former deputy leader of the Labour Party, heard evidence from students, university authorities and others over several weeks.

It said that student protests against events featuring speakers including Peter Tatchell, a gay rights campaigner, and Julie Bindel, the co-founder