Newcastle

Positive and decisive action from Newcastle University

(27.01.25) We wrote to senior officers at Newcastle University on 19th December regarding potential legal and regulatory failures to protect free speech. See our letter here.

Helen Adamson, PGR Co-Director in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, had been the victim of a pile-on after being filmed participating in a political “Unite the Country” rally organised by Tommy Robinson in October 2024. This led to an open letter signed by over 100 students, staff, and alumni calling for the university to take action.

However, it turned out that Newcastle had already taken decisive action. Helen told AFFS that the university has been very supportive of her right to freedom of speech and that the Vice Chancellor provided reassurance to the extent that she has commended the University for it.