“Why does this Government hate universities so much?” that was the question Cambridge MP posed in the Commons.

As MPs discussed controversial new free speech legislation for Universities the Cambridge MP accused the Government of stoking up division, and “throwing more red meat to those who don’t like universities.”

The bill proposes a raft of new measures including a free speech commissar and a legal framework to allow people with controversial views to take legal action against universities if they are not invited to speak.

Mr Zeichner cautioned that Universities and student unions will end up erring on the side of caution and just steer away from anything risky. Universities UK have also warned that those promoting conspiracy theories could take the opportunity to sue universities or student unions.

He said: “What we will get is not more free speech, but less free speech. And for those with really outlandish views, a legal stick with which to beat institutions.”