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Universities have been ordered to allow controversial speakers and not become ‘safe spaces’.

A parliamentary committee claimed that by having a safe-space environment, the views of minority groups are often marginalised.

They found that student unions are stopping events seen as controversial while other talks have been shut down by protesters.

The joint committee on human rights, chaired by Harriet Harman, heard evidence from students and university authorities over several weeks. It was launched following claims from MPs that freedom of speech at universities was under attack.

The report published on Tuesday said: “Safe spaces cannot cover the whole of the university or university life without impinging on right to free speech.

“The concept of safe spaces if either too broad of very vague and therefore we do not find it helpful. University is an environment where a range of options should be heard and explored. Minority views should not be barred from student union premises.”

It found that many of the incidents in which free speech was restricted mainly involved issues such as abortion, Islamophobia and transgender issues.

There have been increasing issues in universities of masked protestors interrupting speeches. One incident at the University of the West of England in Bristol occurred when Jacob Rees-Mogg was delivering a talk.

The report described these incidents as “deplorable” before adding: “Masked protest, intimidatory filming or physical disruption is unacceptable and must be stopped. Law enforcement agencies should take action where appropriate

“Where student groups or bodies are inhibiting free speech rights in this way, universities should take disciplinary action to protect the right to free speech, in line with their statutory duty.”

Chris Hale, Director of Policy at Universities UK said: "Universities are absolutely committed to promoting and securing free speech and will not allow legitimate speech to be stifled.

"We will look at the advice of the committee in this area and how it can complement the already extensive experience of managing such events and policies universities have in place."