Universities must protect free speech and “open minds, not close them,” Universities Minister Jo Johnson will say in a speech in Birmingham later.

Addressing the Limmud Festival, Mr Johnson will reaffirm his concerns over “no platforming” and “safe spaces” stifling debate in higher education.

It comes after the the new Office for Students was established in October.

In recent proposals, the body has said universities that do not protect free speech could face fines.

In his speech on Tuesday Mr Johnson will say: “In universities in America and worryingly in the UK, we have seen examples of groups seeking to stifle those who do not agree with them.

NUS ‘right to have no platform policy’

Is university free speech under threat?

“We must not allow this to happen. Young people should have the resilience and confidence to challenge controversial opinions and take part in open, frank and rigorous discussions.”

What are ‘no platforming’ and ‘safe space’ policies

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“No platforming” is the practice of banning certain groups from taking part in a debate if their views are considered to be offensive or unacceptable.

“Safe space” policies are intended to protect students from views and language they find offensive, including discrimination.

In 2016 nearly two thirds of university students believed the National Union of Students was right to have a “no platform” policy.

The policy means people or groups on a banned list for holding racist or fascist views are not given a platform to speak on student union premises.

The NUS official no platform list contains six groups including the BNP and Al-Muhajiroun, but individual unions and student groups can decide their own.

At Canterbury Christ Church University, an NUS representative refused to share a platform with LGBT activist Peter Tatchell, whom she regarded as having been racist and “transphobic”.