Good Morning Britain (GMB) hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid were left stunned as a heated debate on freedom of speech unfolded on the show. The row caused Piers to brand “snowflakes triggered by everything” as the “enemies of free speech”. The clash comes after an Oxford College professor caused controversy as they wanted guests to sign a code of conduct to attend a debating event. University of Sussex Philosophy professor Kathleen Stock argued it is illegal for universities to stifle free speech.
Whereas City University’s Student Union vice president of education Saqlain Riaz argued sensible debates should have safeguarding policies.
Mr Riaz said: “I am stating the fact that as a society we are moving forward.
“We are having these conversations.
“Freedom of speech isn’t just for Kathleen or Piers Morgan it is for everybody.”
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Ms Stock answered: “This is part of the problem.
“We are confusing the discussion of difficult ideas with personalised insults.
“In fact, we are finding more personalised insults the more we shout out.”
But Piers was having none of it. He raged: “Universities have become so infused with snowflakes who can’t take any criticism and who get triggered by absolutely everything. And in the end, that is the enemy of free speech. Universities should be about challenging your own ideas.”
The outspoken host added: “The tenet of universities should be free speech and debate. And yet it is being stifled everywhere we look.”
Mr Morgan replied to Mr Riaz: “I’ll tell you what it is.
“You are a young man and you have got to lead the charge for freedom of speech meaning freedom of speech.
“Have a vigorous debate with people that you do not agree with.”