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.
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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 is the right of artists to say what they want without fear of losing their livelihoods. Without it, Britain would soon lose its status as a global cultural superpower.
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.
Freedom of religion is a hard-won right after centuries of religious persecution. A mainstay of liberal society, it gives people the right to practice their religion without state interference.
Free speech is the bedrock on which all our other freedoms rest, yet it is currently in greater peril than at any time since the Second World War. The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan, not-for-profit membership organisation that stands up for people whose right to freedom of expression has been violated. Not only do we pressure institutions to uphold their own free speech policies through direct challenges and media scrutiny, but we also litigate when we believe they’ve acted unlawfully. This work is particularly urgent in the present climate, with people being cancelled every day for daring to challenge the latest ideological dogma, either in the workplace or public square.
As a member of the Free Speech Union, you gain access to an invaluable support network that will come to your aid if you ever find yourself in trouble for something you’ve said. The FSU ensures that every voice, no matter how controversial or challenging, has the right to be heard without fear. In an era where speaking one’s mind can lead to unforeseen consequences, it’s reassuring to know that with the FSU, you’re never navigating those challenges alone.
A strong community dedicated to protecting free expression
The FSU has just racked up another significant legal victory at the employment tribunal, securing what promises to be a substantial pay-out for a dyslexic Lloyds Bank manager sacked in a workplace free speech row!
The Free Speech Union is delighted the government has decided to do something about ‘de-banking’. This is a sinister form of cancel culture that has no place in a modern democracy
In a major victory for free speech on campus, the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill got over the final hurdle in the House of Lords earlier this month and
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 2,000 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.
“It’s a great pleasure and an honour for me to be one of the Directors of The Free Speech Union because it’s an issue very close to my heart – not least because I’m such a fan of the practical good that The FSU does. I’ve often worried that people in my career who have columns or appear on TV can defend themselves and be defended by others in similar positions, yet people working regular jobs just don’t have anyone to defend them if a mob comes for them either online or in the workplace. The FSU really gives everybody the opportunity to avoid being picked off in the way that so many people have been in recent years – I’m thrilled to be involved.”
The Free Speech Union
85 Great Portland Street
London W1W 7LT
+44 020 3920 7865