There is something of a free speech crisis in British universities. The propensity to ban the discussion or promotion of ideas which some students might oppose or find offensive has led to the phenomena of no-platforming, safe spaces and other means of exclusion.

The fragility and delicacy of some students, their shameless intolerance, have now become a source of fun for their older compatriots, who often refer to them as “snowflakes”.

The situation might be risible were it not so grave, given that universities are institutions charged with preparing talented young people for vital roles in society, including leadership.