Written questions

Universities: Research

Lords · Question HL11692 · Tabled 5 Nov 2025 · Department for Education · Official record

Answered 19 Nov 2025

Question

Asked by Lord Wigley

To ask His Majesty's Government, following allegations of pressure to shut down human rights research  at Sheffield Hallam University, what plans they have to investigate foreign interference in and attempts to influence the nature and purpose of academic

Answer

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern, 19 Nov 2025

The department is clear that foreign interference is unacceptable, and higher education providers are already required to ensure that decisions are taken without direction, coercion or covert influence. Wherever it is identified, the government and the Of...