Manchester Regional Speakeasy

We are kicking off 2023 with a new series of Regional Speakeasies around the UK. Each event will be addressed by a senior member of Free Speech Union staff to discuss Why Free Speech is Worth Fighting For. It’s your chance to find out why the individuals involved in FSU are so passionate about defending free speech and how our work is developing across many different fronts, from case work to campaigns, legislation to original research. It is also an opportunity for us to thank members in person for their continued support, to meet new members, introduce others to the work that we do and encourage them to join us.

Come and debate with the Free Speech Union, Why Free Speech is Worth Fighting For.

Our speaker for the evening is Thomas Harris, FSU’s Director of Data and Impact. Tom joined the FSU from the corporate sector, where he had become increasingly alarmed by the embedding of ‘woke’ ideas within management structures and workplace culture. He now plays a vital role in helping the FSU understand fast-moving developments in the ideological capture of so many of our institutions, driving our ability to respond to future political and cultural trends. Which professions and sectors of employment are the worst for free speech? Who is most likely to need our help? What are our most effective responses to members’ travails? How can we campaign most effectively? How can we keep on growing, so that we can help even more individuals and increase our ability to defend freedom of speech for all?

It’s your chance to find out why the individuals involved in FSU are so passionate about defending free speech and how our work is developing across many different fronts, from case work to campaigns, legislation to original research. It is also an opportunity for us to thank members in person for their continued support, to meet new members, introduce others to the work that we do and encourage them to join us.

There will, of course, be plenty of time for discussion, as well as socialising with fellow free speech supporters.

Speaker: Thomas Harris, FSU Director of Data and Impact

Thomas Harris joined the FSU in March 2022 after 25 years in the City of London working as an actuary. In the City, Tom was content to focus on strengthening the balance sheet of his employer and lucky to be moving in senior circles where the new training philosophies could largely be avoided; but the growth of the HR machine was still disconcerting. His personal life has ranged from senior bible teacher in a conservative evangelical church through to chair of the UK’s largest lesbian & gay swimming club. Consequently, Tom is comfortable with multiple sides of most debates!