Sheffield Hallam University faced intimidation from China to stop research on forced labor, highlighting concerns over academic freedom and foreign influence in the UK.

Sheffield Hallam University has been referred to counter-terrorism police following allegations of sustained pressure from China to stop sensitive human rights research. Internal documents reveal that the university faced a two-year campaign of intimidation, including threats from individuals linked to China's National Security Service. These threats were aimed at halting research by Professor Laura Murphy on forced labor in Xinjiang. Initially, the university decided to cease her research due to concerns over professional indemnity insurance, which had been suspended after a defamation lawsuit from a Chinese firm. However, after Professor Murphy initiated legal action for infringement of her academic freedom, the university reversed its decision and committed to supporting her research. This situation underscores the challenges faced by academic institutions regarding foreign influence and the protection of academic freedom.