The UK’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee is preparing to investigate the extent of Chinese government interference in British universities, broadening its inquiry into the China audit, an internal government review of UK-China relations completed earlier this year. The move follows revelations that Sheffield Hallam University barred Professor Laura Murphy, a prominent academic researching China-linked supply chains, due to pressure allegedly exerted by Chinese authorities. Murphy’s work highlights the use of Uyghur forced labour, a contentious issue Beijing denies, framing such labour programmes as efforts in poverty alleviation.
The case at Sheffield Hallam has become emblematic of wider concerns about Chinese state influence in UK higher education institutions, with government ministers facing intensified calls for a tougher stance. Emily Thornberry, chair of the select committee, described Chinese interference as a "threat" that requires thorough examination and a coordinated university response. The Sheffield Hallam branch of the University and College Union (UCU), along with its national executive committee, has called for a public inquiry into the episode and a government-led review of how commercial interests may compromise academic free speech. Staff strikes at Sheffield Hallam have underscored internal unrest not only over these issues but also job security fears at the university.
Internal communications leaked from Sheffield Hallam suggest the institution viewed Murphy’s critical research as incompatible with its business interests in China, although the university denies basing the ban on commercial considerations. The university has since reversed the ban and issued a formal apology to Murphy, acknowledging its failure to protect academic freedom, a decision reflecting wider unease about the chilling effect foreign influence can have on independent scholarship. Moreover, counter-terrorism police are investigating whether the university’s actions might have violated national security laws by potentially assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The controversy shines a spotlight on the vulnerability of UK universities, heavily reliant on tuition fees from nearly 150,000 Chinese students enrolled in the 2023-24 academic year. These fees represent billions of pounds and are often considered essential for university finances. Beyond economics, collaboration with Chinese students also boosts UK research output in science and technology, although some warn of security risks from joint projects, especially in sensitive or dual-use technologies.
Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee has previously warned that China seeks to shape the narrative about itself within UK academia by exerting pressure on both academics and Chinese students. The UK tops a global list identified by the China Index project, which tracks Chinese government influence in overseas academic institutions. Beijing has strongly rebuked criticism of its policies. In response to the Sheffield Hallam case, state media articles have portrayed Western scholars as free only to express anti-China views, not to conduct impartial research. The Chinese embassy countered by alleging that Murphy received funding from US government sources for her research, framing it as part of a broader political campaign against China disguised as academic freedom.
The Sheffield Hallam episode has raised profound questions about the balance universities must strike between maintaining academic freedom and managing commercial and diplomatic ties. It also underscores the growing urgency in UK political and academic circles to devise robust frameworks to guard against foreign interference while preserving the open, critical inquiry fundamental to higher education.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] The Guardian - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- [2] ITV News - Paragraph 5, 6
- [3] Sheffield Tribune - Paragraph 4, 5
- [5] Leigh Day - Paragraph 6
- [6] Times Higher Education - Paragraph 6, 7
- [7] Times Higher Education - Paragraph 8, 9
Source: Noah Wire Services