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more than one third undergrad exist U.K. believe Reform Britain Speaking at university events should not be allowed, a new poll suggests.
Nonetheless, the findings Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) showed that two-thirds of students (69%) agreed that universities should not restrict free speech, a slight increase from previous years.
The survey of 1,012 students also found that the vast majority (90%) of students feel they are able to express their opinions without hindrance.
At the same time, nearly half (47%) of respondents believe universities are becoming less tolerant of different viewpoints.
That number has nearly doubled since 2016, when 24% said the same.
The findings follow the introduction of new legislation last year that requires universities and colleges to uphold academic freedom and ensure open discussion takes place on campus without censorship.
The Office for Students, the higher education regulator, can investigate universities and colleges and fine them if they are found to have failed to protect the right to free speech.
The poll, conducted by Savanta in November 2025, found that 71% of students said they supported laws requiring universities to promote free speech.
One in six students (16%) surveyed in 2025 said the Labor Party should be banned from speaking at events at universities, while 12% said the Conservatives should be banned from speaking at events at universities.
In addition, 7% of people think that the Green Party should do this, and 6% think that the Lib Dems should do this.
In previous years, around a quarter of students said the UK Defense League and UK Independence Party should be banned from speaking at university events.
In 2016, 31% said the British National Party (BNP) should be banned from speaking at events held at universities.
Nick Hillman, director of HEPI, said: “I am shocked that more than a third of students support banning Reform UK from university campuses.
“The best way to overturn a democratic party with which you disagree is surely through free, fair and vigorous debate – both on and off campus.”
A majority of students (83%) said they received at least some satisfactory protection at university to protect them from discrimination or emotional harm.
Nearly two-thirds (63%) agree or strongly agree that protecting minorities from discrimination and ensuring the dignity of minorities is more important than unlimited free speech.
Richard Theis, deputy leader of Reform UK, said: “These findings are shocking. UK universities long ago abandoned being centers of real learning, rigorous debate and intellectual challenge, choosing instead to become echo chambers of far-left indoctrination run by radical academics.”
“University leaders have a responsibility to allow this culture to fester in our institutions. Unless this situation changes urgently, the government must withdraw funding.”