The meaning and application of “freedom of speech” within the law

George McLellan and Olivia Dawson represented the Free Speech Union in intervening to present written submissions to the Court concerning the meaning and application of “freedom of speech within the law”.

The Administrative Court has handed down judgment in R(oao The University of Sussex) v The Office for Students [2026] EWHC 984 (Admin).

This was an application for Judicial Review of the decision of the Office for Students that the University of Sussex was in breach of two registration conditions, and to fine the University in respect of those breaches.

Sharpe Pritchard represented the Intervener in the proceedings – the Free Speech Union – which was permitted to intervene to present written submissions to the Court concerning the meaning and application of “freedom of speech within the law”.

George McLellan and Olivia Dawson supported the Free Speech Union with its intervention, instructing Tom Cross KC and Zoe Gannon of 11KBW.

The full judgment can be accessed here: The University of Sussex, R (On the Application Of) v The Office for Students [2026] EWHC 984 (Admin) (29 April 2026)

George McLellan is a Partner and Olivia Dawson is an Associate at Sharpe Pritchard LLP.

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