Join 45,000 people who speak freely.
The Free Speech Union has fought over 6,000 cases for people who found themselves in trouble for speaking their mind. Join 45,000 members who know expert support is there when they need it.
The Free Speech Union has fought over 6,000 cases for people who found themselves in trouble for speaking their mind. Join 45,000 members who know expert support is there when they need it.
Two parallel private members' bills targeting SLAPPs — strategic lawsuits used by wealthy litigants to silence journalists, campaigners, and whistleblowers — have been introduced in both Houses of Parliament this week. Baroness Stowell of Beeston and Sir John Whittingdale MP are behind the respective bills, which would give judges the power to dismiss such cases at the earliest possible stage. The FSU welcomes the move.
In a positive move for free speech, the Education has finally commenced the section in the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act that establishes a statutory complaints scheme.
The Conservative peer Lord Ranger is suing the Prime Minister after the Forfeiture Committee — a shadowy Whitehall body — stripped him of his CBE following a House of Lords standards ruling that he had harassed journalist Poonam Joshi on X. His lawyers argue the removal was disproportionate and will chill free speech. The FSU, which has supported others who have lost honours through the same opaque process, warns that the Government's Removal of the Peerages Bill threatens to extend that chilling effect to the Lords itself.
Oxford professor and expert on equality law Dr Michael Foran has been forced to cancel his lecture series after sustained abuse from trans activists.
South Wales Police have shelved their controversial "anti-Muslim hostility" definition after the Free Speech Union threatened them with a judicial review.
Senior figures at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have cautioned firefighters who support Reform UK and urged staff to report colleagues over their political views — prompting the Free Speech Union to write to Mayor Andy Burnham warning of a chilling effect on lawful political expression.
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 6,000 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.
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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.
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