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Sunak Defends Kathleen Stock's Right to Speak at Oxford University

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Sakchi Khandelwal
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Prof Stock quit her job as a lecturer at the University of Sussex after being targeted by activists over her views on gender identity <br> Image Credit: PA Media

 Rishi Sunak defends free debate and calls for tolerance amid expected protests against Professor Stock's address.

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed his support for feminist Kathleen Stock's right to deliver a speech at Oxford University. Sunak's intervention comes in anticipation of protests against Professor Stock's appearance at an Oxford Union event. The Prime Minister stated that open debate is a fundamental aspect of a tolerant society.
The controversy surrounding Professor Stock's speech has led to the Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society asserting its "right to protest and for trans rights." However, the university's vice-chancellor has defended Stock's invitation, citing freedom of speech as the underlying principle.
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Sunak emphasized the importance of free and respectful debate in a democratic society. He stated, "A free society requires free debate. We should all be encouraged to engage respectfully with the ideas of others. University should be an environment where debate is supported, not stifled." Sunak further added that students should have the opportunity to hear and discuss Professor Stock's views, regardless of whether they agree or disagree with her.
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The Prime Minister asserted that a tolerant society fosters understanding even among those with differing opinions, and universities play a crucial role in upholding this principle. Sunak's support for Kathleen Stock's invitation to the Oxford Union reflects his commitment to ensuring that discussions and exchanges of ideas are not silenced by a vocal minority.

Clash Over Freedom of Speech and Trans Rights

The controversy surrounding Professor Stock's speech has led to the Oxford University LGBTQ+ Society asserting its right to protest and advocate for trans rights. In contrast, the university's vice-chancellor has defended Professor Stock's invitation, citing it as an issue of freedom of speech.

Sunak Calls for Respectful Engagement and University Debate

Rishi Sunak, in an interview with the Telegraph newspaper, affirms that a free society requires open debate and encourages respectful engagement with diverse ideas. He argues that universities should foster an environment that supports debate rather than stifles it. Sunak asserts that Kathleen Stock's invitation to the Oxford Union should be upheld, highlighting her significance in the ongoing discourse. He believes that students should have the opportunity to hear and discuss her views, regardless of agreement or disagreement.
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