The Wonkhe Show Free speech, Scottish budget, Mickey Mouse
Jan 15, 2026
Join insightful discussions with Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor of Northumbria University, Jess Lister, Director at Public First, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe. They delve into the complexities of free speech on campuses, highlighting a poll indicating significant student opposition to Reform UK. The conversation shifts to Scotland's budget challenges and the implications for higher education funding. They also tackle the controversial label of 'Mickey Mouse courses,' examining its origins and how universities can better articulate the value of their programs.
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Students Hold Nuanced Free-Speech Views
- A significant share of students would exclude certain parties from campus, but this may reflect not wanting to hear them rather than formal bans.
- Polling shows nuanced, sometimes contradictory views on free speech, safe spaces, and trigger warnings.
Social Media Shapes Listening Choices
- Social media echo chambers make students more likely to avoid conflicting views rather than engage with them.
- Younger cohorts' low support for Reform UK helps explain higher opposition to its campus presence.
Proactively Build Better Campus Debate
- Universities should actively foster better debate and teach how to 'disagree well' to weaken echo-chamber claims.
- Promote structured programmes and events that model respectful engagement across divides.