Brits unite over concern for free speech, new poll shows

A poll on free speech shows “widespread concern” over increasing censorship in Great Britain.

Commissioned by human rights organisation Liberty, the poll of 2,017 people found that respondents have “lost confidence” in the Government’s commitment to free speech in Britain. As a result, Liberty called on the Prime Minister to demonstrate strong leadership on the issue.

Campaign group Big Brother Watch recently urged the Government to commission an independent review into free speech laws, warning that 62,000 people were arrested for offences under “vaguely defined” communications legislation between 2021-25, resulting in 12,292 convictions. The Christian Institute supported their call for a review.

Controversial opinions

According to the Liberty poll: “Nearly four in ten people (39%) believe their ability to speak freely on important issues has got worse over the past two years.”

It also reported: “More than four in ten (42%) believe their ability to express controversial political opinions without facing legal consequences has got worse.”

Liberty noted that free speech is a key political factor in Britain, highlighting that three in five respondents said the issue would influence their vote in a general election.

‘Fundamental’

Liberty Director Akiko Hart said: “The ability to express ourselves freely makes us all who we are, and free speech is of vital importance to the British public. These findings should serve as a stark wake-up call for the Government, which has lost the public’s confidence on protecting this fundamental human right.”

Hart emphasised that free speech is “a cornerstone of a healthy democracy that enables us to hold the powerful to account, speak openly, and express our differences without fear of state intervention.

“It is deeply concerning that millions of people feel that the Government isn’t safeguarding that right.”

A Home Office spokesperson responded: “Freedom of speech and peaceful protest are fundamental rights that this Government will always protect. But there is a clear difference between expressing a view and engaging in unlawful behaviour – such as inciting hatred and violence or supporting proscribed organisations. It is right that as a society and a Government, we draw that line clearly.”