Labour’s ‘mad and bad anti-freedom’ plans must be stopped

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Then, on top of this clear example of inconsistency of a two-tier system, and I will put it that way Lord Hermer, we know that the Labour Government is looking to clamp down further on free speech by planning for what has been dubbed the “banter police”. Such an amusing term for what is, in practice, an incredibly chilling plan. Perhaps I could point to the repeated attempts in the courts to introduce a de-facto blasphemy law by the back door or Labour’s subversive efforts to hide its plans to create one. This is straight out of a Stasi handbook where neighbours were encouraged to report on conversations, and I support The Free Speech Union’s campaign against it.

David Campbell Bannerman, The Express, 12th July 2025.

CI: ‘Attempts to define Islamophobia endanger free speech and public safety’

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Threatening legal action, the Free Speech Union accused the Government of failing to make the call for evidence available for the majority of public to view.

It also said the consultation questions appeared “heavily weighted” in favour of a “predetermined outcome”, endorsing a definition “closely aligned” with the one currently adopted by the Labour Party.

The Christian Institute, 10th July 2025.

Angela Rayner Backs Down on Islamophobia Definition Plans After Legal Threats and Public Backlash

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The climbdown comes after the Free Speech Union (FSU) threatened legal action and wrote to Ms Rayner to express concern about the process, which critics said was “heavily weighted” towards a predetermined outcome.

Conservative Post, 10th July 2025.

Rayner backs down in Islamophobia free speech row

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The move followed complaints by the Free Speech Union (FSU), which said the new definition was being drawn up behind closed doors.

The FSU wrote to Ms Rayner expressing concern that the process would enshrine a definition which treats Islamophobia as a type of racism.

Charles Hymas, The Telegraph, 9th July 2025.

Editorial: ​7/7 memorial a reminder of need for vigilance against Islamist extremism

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The Free Speech Union has warned that a new definition, encompassing expressions of ‘Muslimness’ and even critiques of Islamic beliefs and practices, risks “turning legitimate scrutiny of religious doctrines into a form of prohibited hate speech”.

News Letter, 8th July 2025.

Blasphemy, Censorship, and the Future of Free Expression in Britain

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Pamela Paresky speaks with former Quillette editor Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union and recently appointed member of the House of Lords, about the current state of free expression in the United Kingdom.

Pamela Paresky, Toby Young, Quillette, 4th July 2025.

The Windsor Framework has enabled wokeness

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The Free Speech Union’s director, Toby Young, later described Ms Bradshaw’s “aggressive intolerance” towards alternative views on gender as “typical of those captured by gender ideology.” He defended the TUV MLA, Timothy Gaston, a trans-sceptical member of the committee, who repeatedly clashed with the chair, as she seemingly tried to prevent him from expressing his views.

Owen Polley, The Critic, 2nd July 2025.

Another police representative bites the dust. His crime? Sticking up for his members

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With the Free Speech Union’s (FSU) help, Cooke is now seeking to challenge the Federation’s decision in the High Court. As an elected representative, he cannot bring a claim at an employment tribunal, which is normally the route for workplace free speech claims. His only legal recourse is the costly and complex process of judicial review, which offers no guarantee of reimbursement even if he wins.

Dr Frederick Attenborough, TCW, 1st July 2025.

Labour wants to silence criticism of Islam

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This is why the Free Speech Union (FSU) recently wrote to deputy prime minister Angela Rayner. In particular, the FSU is alaramed about the government’s new ‘Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred and Islamophobia’ – a miniature Labour quango tasked with articulating an ‘official’ definition of Islamophobia. It should concern anyone concerned about free speech.

Freddie Attenborough, Spiked, 30th June 2025.

Police chief suspended for rejecting ‘nonsense’ racism claims launches legal battle

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With the support of the Free Speech Union he is challenging the process in the courts and is looking to join forces with Rick Prior, the former chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, who was sacked in similar circumstances for comments he made in the media.

Martin Evans, The Telegraph, 29th June 2025.