Join us in London and online on Monday 14th July for the launch of a powerful new briefing from the Free Speech Union.
Historically, trade unions championed free expression as a pillar of workplace democracy – not just in principle, but as a practical safeguard, essential to protecting workers who spoke out against injustice, poor conditions or unfair treatment.
But in recent decades, their character has changed. As Britain’s economy shifted from manufacturing to services, and as university-educated professionals – particularly in the public sector – came to dominate membership, many of these organisations began to absorb the values of that class. Influenced by campus-derived ideologies that prioritise psychological ‘safety’ over intellectual risk, they increasingly focus on enforcing progressive orthodoxy rather than defending members’ rights.
The report lays bare the consequences, detailing how internal speech codes, disciplinary procedures, and public shaming tactics are now routinely used to silence dissent. From whistleblowers to teachers, firefighters to academics, it reveals how dues-paying members are being punished or ostracised under the guise of inclusivity and harm prevention.
To address this crisis, the report calls for reform of the Employment Relations Act 1999, proposing that workers be allowed to choose any suitable person to accompany them in disciplinary hearings, rather than being limited to a union official or colleague. This would empower employees to seek support from expert advocacy groups like the FSU and ensure that all workers, regardless of their views, can access meaningful representation.
Speakers include Conservative peer and FSU founder Lord Young of Acton and the report’s author, FSU Research Director Dr Frederick Attenborough.
Date: Monday 14th July
Time: 7.30pm to 9pm, with social to follow. Doors open 7pm.
Location: St Bride Foundation, 14 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8EQ. Nearest stations: City Thameslink (4 minute walk), Blackfriars (8 minute walk), Farringdon (12 minute walk), St Paul’s (10 minute walk).
IN-PERSON TICKETS: FSU Members £10 / Non-members £15 / Age 25s and under £12.
ONLINE REGISTRATION: Free to FSU members using the link provided in the weekly newsletter.
Join the FSU today for free speech support and discounted tickets to all events, membership from as little as £2.49 per month.
The Free Speech Union is a non-partisan, mass membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members. Find out more.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Toby Young (Lord Young of Acton) is a British journalist and campaigner. He is the founder and general secretary of the Free Speech Union, an associate editor of The Spectator and the editor-in-chief of the Daily Sceptic. He was made a life peer in 2024.
Dr Frederick Attenborough is Director of Research at the Free Speech Union. A former senior lecturer in sociology, he writes regularly on free speech issues for The Critic, Spiked, The European Conservative, and other national and international publications.
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