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<p>The government continuously assesses threats posed to the UK. As a matter of longstanding
policy, we are unable to release information regarding threat assessments, on the
grounds of national security.</p><p>The government is clear that any challenges to
our core values, whatever their origin, will not be tolerated. Departmental officials
will continue to work closely with their counterparts across government to strengthen
protective measures.</p><p>The National Security Bill currently before Parliament
brings together vital new measures to protect our national security. The new Foreign
Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) has now been added to the Bill, which has been
created to tackle covert influence in the UK. The scheme is designed to strengthen
the integrity of our politics and institutions, and protect the UK from state threats.</p><p>The
Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill will ensure that lawful freedom of speech
is fully supported in English higher education (HE), regardless of where the challenge
comes from. It will require and empower registered HE providers, colleges and students’
unions to push back on freedom of speech related threats from overseas. The Bill will
also address concerns about the possible influence of overseas money in English HE.
These new measures will help the Office for Students (OfS) understand the possible
impact of overseas income on freedom of speech and academic freedom, and monitor any
trends and patterns of concern. The Bill will allow the OfS to take appropriate action,
including issuing penalties, if there is evidence that an HE provider has breached
its freedom of speech duties.</p><p>The department continuously strengthens protective
measures, and expects universities to do the same. Universities UK, with government
support, continues work to increase the understanding and awareness of the threat
from interference within the HE sector. A key output of this is the publication of
two sets of guidelines and a set of case studies, which can be found at the following
links: <a href="https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-research/publications/managing-risks-internationalisation"
target="_blank">https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/policy-and-research/publications/managing-risks-internationalisation</a>,
<a href="https://www.ukri.org/publications/managing-risks-in-international-research-and-innovation/"
target="_blank">https://www.ukri.org/publications/managing-risks-in-international-research-and-innovation/</a>
and: <a href="https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/universities-uk-international/insights-and-publications/uuki-insights/case-studies-how-universities-are"
target="_blank">https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/universities-uk-international/insights-and-publications/uuki-insights/case-studies-how-universities-are</a>.</p><p>With
regards to Confucius Institutes, like all similar bodies they should operate transparently,
and with a full commitment to our values of openness and freedom of expression. Universities
have a responsibility to ensure that any partnership with a Confucius Institute is
managed appropriately, and the right due diligence is in place. The government encourages
any providers with concerns to contact the government.</p>
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