The Free Speech Union (FSU) has always recognised the importance of supporting young people. Our goal is to ensure that the next generation has the tools, confidence, and opportunities to think critically and debate openly – without fear of reprisal.
At the heart of this mission lies the Ian Mactaggart Programme — a grant-giving initiative we administer for individuals aged 16 to 30 who wish to promote free speech, particularly within universities. Since its launch in April 2023, the programme has supported more than 40 projects across the UK.
These range from major university debating societies such as the Durham Union and York Dialectic Union, to newer initiatives like Warwick Speak Easy, KCL’s Free Speech Society, the Cambridge Women’s Society, and podcasts created by sixth formers. We’ve also funded academic freedom conferences and events at Queen Mary University and Cardiff University, provided help for the Committee for Academic Freedom’s recent conference, and supported student publications committed to promoting diverse viewpoints.
This autumn, we relaunched our Freshers’ Offer, providing first-year university students with a year’s membership of the FSU for just £14.99. The aim is to make it as easy as possible for students to access the support, resources, and community they need to stand up for free speech – particularly in today’s challenging campus climate, which we recently explored through a series of vox pops.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on expanding our outreach and strengthening our relationships with the student societies and individuals we support. Over the coming months, we’ll be visiting more campuses, sixth forms, and colleges; hosting in-person events that encourage open, good-faith discussion; and enhancing our digital engagement through social media.
Our goal is simple: to ensure that every student in the UK – regardless of their political persuasion – can express their views freely and confidently. Universities should be places where ideas are tested, challenged, and debated, not silenced.