Students who have conservative values and beliefs should be able to express their opinions, without the fear of having complaints levelled against them a new report claims.

The report by the centre-right think tank the Policy Exchange interviewed around 50 vice chancellors and senior governors.

It said universities must show "they speak for and reflect the whole nation" and leaders should avoid being "the voice of critics who actively despise those who have traditional values of patriotism, family, faith or local traditions".

The report suggests growing discontent among vice-chancellors and chairmen of university governing bodies towards the system's inability to reform.

Universities are failing to expose students to diverse viewpoints and want to be challenged and that not all are 'snowflakes' claims the report.

It encouraged universities to ensure students with Tory views feel able to express them without fear.