Join 50,000+ people who speak freely.
The Free Speech Union has fought over 7,000 cases for people who found themselves in trouble for speaking their mind. Join 50,000+ members who know expert support is there when they need it.
The Free Speech Union has fought over 7,000 cases for people who found themselves in trouble for speaking their mind. Join 50,000+ members who know expert support is there when they need it.
Prevent, the Government's counter-extremism programme, is being used to investigate lawful criticism of Islam from figures including Robert Jenrick and John Cleese — part of a wider pattern of activists and courts enforcing a de facto blasphemy law.
The police watchdog has ruled that the Met's investigation into Graham Linehan's arrest for gender-critical tweets was inadequate, ordering it to be reopened.
Councillors' codes of conduct, meant to uphold standards in public life, are increasingly being used to punish lawful political speech — with vexatious complaints, long investigations and, soon, tougher sanctions threatening to silence dissenting local voices.
Oxford University has told staff to avoid everyday British idioms like "learn the ropes" in case they confuse international students — the latest example of universities policing language rather than protecting free speech on campus.
Devon County Council disciplined Cllr Michael Fife Cook for raising safeguarding concerns after a sex toy and "chemsex" literature were displayed near a children's area at Exeter Library. The FSU is backing his High Court challenge.
MHCLG has admitted it still holds the consultation responses behind the official Islamophobia definition, after first claiming they had been deleted — but is refusing to disclose them, deepening concerns that extremists shaped the drafting process.
A strong community dedicated to protecting free expression
If you want to speak up about an issue that matters to you, you should be free to do so without fear of being penalised. We have helped over 7,000 people who’ve found themselves in trouble merely for expressing a controversial opinion or for exercising their right to lawful free speech, whether at college or university, in the workplace or on social media.
If you’re looking for information and guidance, or in need of immediate help, our team of experts are here to provide assistance, resources and support.
Become a Member
Free speech is a fundamental human right and the most important one of all because without it we wouldn’t be able to defend the others. It’s the lifeblood of democracy and a bulwark against tyranny.
Academic freedom is the lifeblood of universities. By engaging in open discussion, students and academics are able to develop different ideas and advance the frontiers of knowledge.
Freedom of expression extends to nonverbal and creative forms of communication — art, music, film, performance and symbols — that convey ideas beyond spoken or written words.
Freedom of the press is essential for the proper functioning of democracy. Without journalists holding the powerful to account citizens cannot make informed decisions at the ballot box.
Please consider supporting the Free Speech Union. Your donation helps fund our legal work, campaigning and member support so we can continue defending free expression across Britain. Any contribution—large or small—makes a real difference.
Donate NowIf you'd like to join the Free Speech Union, we'd welcome your support. Click below to explore our membership levels, learn about the benefits available to members, and choose the option most suitable for you.
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