Smita Jamdar and James Murray join Tom to examine the law’s protection for free speech in UK Universities, and how it’s currently being used.

They’ll discuss a change made to the law in May 2023 by which the Government hopes to strengthen free speech values. And Tom speaks to David Isaac CBE, formerly Chair of Stonewall and Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, about his take on free speech now as the Head of an Oxford college.

Smita Jamdar is a Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, and advises universities, colleges and independent providers on compliance with their free speech and academic freedom duties. She is involved in a sector group looking to produce practical guidance on compliance with the new Act.

James Murray is a senior lawyer at a leading London law firm and a Research Fellow at the University of Buckingham, and specialises in employment law, academic freedom and free speech on campus. He advises major higher education institutions and prominent academics, and writes and speaks widely on both international and UK free speech law. David Isaac CBE is Provost of Worcester College, Oxford University. He was formerly Chair of Stonewall, an LGBT charity, and Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Whilst at the latter, he oversaw the development of guidance for Universities as to compliance with their free speech obligations.

Written and presented by Tom Cross. Produced by Jelena Sofronijevic. Music by Lennon Hutton.