Freedom of Speech (what's left of it) in the UK

[old dog]

‘Open to Abuse’: Brexit’s Farage Sounds the Alarm on UK Govt Crackdown on Extremism

New rules to combat extremism are well-intentioned but extremely flawed and open to abuse, potentially stifling freedom of speech, warns Nigel Farage.

The UK government is introducing new rules to prevent extremists from associating with the government and state bodies, depriving them of funding and legitimacy. But freedom of speech advocates warn while the intentions are noble, the government handing itself a new set of powers risks creating a means for future governments to suppress other ideas in the future.




https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/03/16/open-to-abuse-brexits-farage-sounds-the-alarm-on-uk-govt-crackdown-on-extremism/

I have no doubt that the Government will use these new powers to criminalize "disinformation" espoused by political opponents.

[Dr. Felix Birdbiter]

To steal from William Shakespeare and turn his quote on its head: "tyranny comes in single spies not whole battalions". A rule here, a law there and before long the people are completely enslaved

[dinosaur]

Unfortunately, the UK does not have any semblance of free speech.

Hell, the UK does not even allow free thought.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2023/oct/26/silently-praying-woman-britain-cited-thoughtcrime-/

United Kingdom: silent prayer becomes thought crime - Daily Compass
(https://newdailycompass.com/en/united-kingdom-silent-prayer-becomes-thought-crime)

The first link above is the standard reporting of various arrests. The second link above is a decidedly religious and pro life reporting, but I included it because it has vital information on the debate in the House of Commons over the law, and what was accepted and ignored to make thought and silent prayer a crime.