PM says safe spaces - designed to ensure debate in universities does not cause offence - constrain innovation and harm the country

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Theresa May has criticised the concept of “safe spaces” designed to ensure debate does not cause offence to students in universities.

The prime minister said it was “quite extraordinary”, suggesting it could constrain innovation of thought and harm the country’s economic and social development.

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Safe spaces have been criticised for shutting down robust debate in universities, while supporters say they are necessary to stamp out abusive behaviour such as racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia on campuses.

May made clear her opposition to safe spaces in prime minister’s questions, when pressed for her views by Victoria Atkins, a Conservative MP.

“Freedom of speech is a fundamental British value which is undermined by so-called ‘safe spaces’ in our universities where a sense of entitlement by a minority of students means that their wish not to be offended shuts down debate,” Atkins said.

“As students around the country return to their places of learning at the start of this academic year does the prime minister agree with me that university is precisely the place for lively debate and the fear of being offended must not trump freedom of speech?”

The prime minister said she absolutely agreed with the MP and went further by suggesting the safe spaces were harmful for the country.

“We want our universities not just to be places of learning but places where there is open debate. which is challenged and people can get involved in that,” the prime minister replied.

“I think everybody is finding this concept of safe spaces quite extraordinary, frankly. We want to see that innovation of thought taking place in our universities.

“That’s how we develop as a country, as a society, and as an economy, and I absolutely agree with my honourable friend.”

Labour sources later indicated that Jeremy Corbyn did not agree with May’s position, highlighting his strong opposition to abusive behaviour in public debate.

Corbyn believes the nature of debate is a matter for universities, the Labour source added.

Safe spaces have been introduced by some student unions and societies, along with other policies such as “no-platforming” speakers with controversial views and bans on controversial art or music.