Government looks to strengthen free speech on campus after Oxford's no-platforming of Amber Rudd

Former Conservative minister’s appearance at International Women’s Day event called off at last minute

Gavin Williamson says: 'If universities are not prepared to defend free speech, the Government will'

Oxford University has been rebuked by the Education Secretary over the "unacceptable" no-platforming of Amber Rudd, with the Government on Friday threatening intervention to protect free speech on campuses.

Gavin Williamson is believed to be looking at increasing the powers of the university regulator after a speech by former Home Secretary Ms Rudd was blocked by a student society on Thursday.

The Telegraph understands that ministers are considering amending the 1986 Education Act to ensure that the Office for Students (OfS) is able to police student bodies that fail to protect free speech. While universities have a duty to uphold free speech, Government sources have expressed concern that the current legislation does not directly apply to students' unions or societies.

The former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson posted: “If you’re trying to silence Amber Rudd you really are being anti-democratic.”

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