The number of pro-life student societies and associations are increasing, according to new figures from the Alliance of Pro-Life Students (APS).

Recent months have also seen growing free speech tensions, with some Student Associations attempting to block pro-life groups.

According to an investigation by The Independent, there have been some protests against the existence of pro-life groups and some students have even received threats from their peers.

There are now thought to be 14 official pro-life groups across the UK, compared with eight this time last year and it is expected that more will open.

Recently, the Student Union at Aberdeen University lifted its ban on a pro-life group amidst a legal challenge over free speech on campus.

In July, a pro-life group at Nottingham University was granted affiliation by the Students Union after initially being refused, following the threat of legal action.

Speaking about the hostility some pro-life students have experienced, Alex Mason, founder of the Aberdeen Life Ethics Society said: “There was a small protest demonstration against our presence at Freshers’ Fayre and we got some dirty looks from certain people who passed by, but overall we had a productive time of engagement and interaction with our fellow students.”

Madeline Page, CEO of the Alliance of Pro-Life Students said: “Due to the intolerant nature of students’ unions and other students on campus, we expect to see opposition and unlawful behaviour at universities in this country.”

She also added that pro-life student societies will grow again this year “in line with the continued growth of the pro-life movement in the UK.”