Press Release

University-think-tank Million+ welcomes Prime Minister’s recognition of role of universities in promoting open debate and shared values

27 November 2007

University think-tank Million+ has welcomed the recognition of the role of universities in promoting a tolerant and open society signalled in a speech to the Fabian Society by the Minister for Higher Education, Bill Rammell MP. Mr Rammell and John Denham MP, Secretary of State for DIUS have been tasked by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to open a new debate about the role of universities in countering extremism.

Chair of the university think-tank Million+ and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire Professor Les Ebdon described the initiative, backed by the Prime Minister, as “an important change of emphasis and a welcome recognition of the key role which universities play in promoting open and free debate and community cohesion.

“Open and free debate conducted in a climate of respect and tolerance is one of the best defences that we can have against violent extremism and this is a significant and welcome change of direction”, Professor Ebdon said.