David Cameron defends anti-extremism rules on university campuses

Prime Minister David Cameron has defended new anti-extremism laws that give academic bodies a legal duty to address signs of extremism on campus.

From Monday, universities across Britain will be legally required to enforce the “Prevent counter-terrorism strategy”, despite fierce criticism from theNational Union of Students (NUS).

A spokesperson for the NUS said the organisation had “both principled and practical concerns” about the impact of the rules on student welfare.

Mr Cameron defended the counter-terrorism guidance ahead of chairing the first meeting of the Extremism Taskforce since the election.

Mr Cameron said: “All public institutions have a role to play in rooting out and challenging extremism.

“It is not about oppressing free speech or stifling academic freedom, it is about making sure that radical views and ideas are not given the oxygen they need to flourish.

“Schools, universities and colleges, more than anywhere else, have a duty to protect impressionable young minds and ensure that our young people are given every opportunity to reach their potential.”

UK universities minister Jo Johnson has also written to NUS president Megan Dunn, calling on the students’ body to reverse its position.

He wrote in the letter: “Ultimately, the Prevent strategy is about protecting people from radicalisation. It is therefore disappointing to see overt opposition to the Prevent programme.”

However, a spokesperson for the NUS responded: “Criticism and debate is at the heart of the policy-making process, and so we would encourage government to listen and reflect on the legitimate concerns that exist to their agenda, rather than attacking organisations for simply not agreeing with their approach.

“As students’ unions are not public bodies, and therefore not subject to the act, it’s confusing that the government are so focused on our work.

“NUS is a campaigning organisation so our opposition to this agenda - based on both principled and practical concerns, and passed at our most recent national conference - is both valid and appropriate.”