In the Media

Articles That Mention the Free Speech Union

Report microaggressions through QR codes on campus, Lamda students told

Click here to read the article

The reporting apparatus has drawn criticism from members of the Free Speech Union, which has legally represented academics whose speech has been policed or silenced. Byrn Harris, legal counsel for the union, said the group is wary of a growing trend of higher education institutions allowing “sousveillance” – surveillance conducted by members within the group being monitored. He said: “This can include procedures that facilitate students telling tales on one another – even by encouraging the disclosure of private social media messages – as well as the sort of “sousveillance” reported at Lamda. It is overwhelmingly obvious to most people that surveillance not only will result in dull and unambitious teaching, but also carries deeply unpleasant reminiscences of totalitarian practice.”

Craig Simpson, The Telegraph, 20th August 2022.

Why won’t trade unions stand up for free speech?

Click here to read the article

It is a sad indictment of the movement that the only union that is taking a robust stand against this climate of intolerance is the Free Speech Union (FSU), founded by conservative journalist Toby Young. The FSU is campaigning to have the Employment Rights Act amended to prohibit employers from sanctioning workers for saying non-woke things outside the workplace.

Paul Embery, Spiked, 18th August 2022.

Tell the police to stop investigating tweets and start policing streets, says TOBY YOUNG

Click here to read the article

As a member of the Conservative Party who has yet to cast his vote in the leadership election, I am writing to urge you to do more to support Free Speech. I am reaching out as general secretary of the Free Speech Union, a non-partisan, mass membership organisation that stands up for the speech rights of its members and campaigns for free speech more widely.

Toby Young, The Express, 14th August 2022.

Retreat of Christianity has given way to “censorious and authoritarian” secular public morality – Toby Young

Click here to read the article

The “God-shaped hole left by the retreat of Christianity” has given way to a “censorious and authoritarian” secular public morality, free speech campaigner Toby Young has said. This ‘Woke’ morality is leading to the cancellation of orthodox Christians and others who dare to challenge it, he warns in an interview with The Christian Institute released today.

Christian Today, 10th August 2022.

Sacked from his £49,000-a-year job for being overheard on Zoom asking his wife “Do you think they have black privilege in Africa?”: Dedicated railway manager won a landmark victory – but his life is now in tatters

Click here to read the article

 Toby Young, founder and general secretary of the Free Speech Union, which supported Mr Isherwood through the tribunal process, added: “I’m delighted we were able to help Simon win a landmark victory for free speech. I hope this sends a message to other employers: you cannot dismiss staff for gross misconduct for mocking woke diversity training. Workers have rights, including the right to free speech.”

Helen Weathers, The Daily Mail, 29th July 2022.