In the Media

Articles That Mention the Free Speech Union

Free speech stops riots

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With depressing predictability, the riots have led to calls for more censorship. Historically, it was the authoritarian right who blamed outbreaks of civil disorder on too much free speech, but this knee-jerk, illiberal reaction is now more likely to be found on the left.

Toby Young, The Spectator Australia, 10th August 2024.

Ditching this free speech act is a green light to campus bullies

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The Free Speech Union, a mass membership organisation, is seeking a judicial review of Phillipson’s decision to stop its commencement. Campus free speech groups are gathering signatories for a letter asking her to reconsider. “Free speech duties on universities have long been neglected, despite being enshrined in law,” they write. “Hundreds of academics and students have been hounded, censured, silenced or even sacked over the last 20 years for the expression of legal opinions.”

Helen Joyce, The Times, 9th August 2024.

Labour-run council to fine people £100 for swearing in street

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The Free Speech Union, which campaigns against restrictions to individual liberty, has written to the council ahead of launching a potential lawsuit unless it changes course. The campaign group argues that the Thanet PSPO could criminalise, for example, a legitimate political protest outside the council offices, or a religious preacher standing in the town centre giving a sermon on “Christian beliefs about sexuality”

Henry Bodkin, The Telegraph, 9th August 2024.

Are we being watched?

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As the General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, Toby Young, pointed out last year for the Spectator, even if during lockdown the CDU may not have gone beyond monitoring journalistic activities, in the absence of a statutory footing and all the attendant Parliamentary oversight and democratic accountability, “What’s to stop them going further next time?”

Freddie Attenborough, The Critic, 8th August 2024.

Swear on my life

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The Free Speech Union has threatened to legally challenge the council’s new rule, which it sees as an “unreasonable and probably unlawful” restriction on their right to freedom of expression.

Ethan Singh, The Sun, 8th August 2024.