Full Breakdown
Public Concern Over Free-Speech Protections Grows Amid Labour Government Actions
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
A poll commissioned by Liberty and carried out by More in Common found that a majority of Britons believe the government protects speech only when it aligns with official views. The survey, conducted on a nationally representative sample of 2,017 adults in Great Britain between 11 and 15 September, showed 54 % think the state favours certain viewpoints, while 29 % said the biggest worry is inconsistent application of free-speech laws. The poll was released ahead of a Liberty-More in Common panel at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.
Background & Context
The issue resurfaced after police arrested supporters of the proscribed direct-action group Palestine Action outside the Labour conference. The Crime and Policing Act, which received royal assent in April 2024, gave police broader powers to restrict protests, prompting criticism from civil-society groups. The UK Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal against the ban later this month, with arguments that the proscription may breach Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Data & Statistics
- 54 % say the government only protects speech it agrees with.
- 29 % cite inconsistent enforcement as their top concern.
- 26 % say some people can speak more freely than others.
- 22 % worry about arrests or investigations for online statements (about 10 million adults).
- 18 % feel they must self-censor in public or online.
- Two-thirds said a party’s stance on free speech would influence their next vote.
Official Statements & Responses
A Home Office spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to fundamental rights, stating: “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.”
Labour MP Stella Creasy, speaking at the conference, affirmed the party’s long-standing position: “We’ve always said you have the right to say what you want,” while noting that the right is “qualified” and must be balanced against accountability.
Criticism & Opposition
Defend Our Juries, a campaign group, argued that the continued proscription of Palestine Action is “illogical, unsustainable and immoral”, urging the prime minister to end prosecutions for peaceful protest.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The prime minister must show urgent leadership on an issue that is dividing the country, and change course away from heavier restrictions and towards a principled defence of free speech.” — Akiko Hart, director of Liberty
- “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.” — Home Office spokesperson
- “We’ve always said you have the right to say what you want” — Stella Creasy, Labour MP
What’s Next
The Supreme Court will hear the appeal against the Palestine Action proscription later this month. The free-speech issue is expected to feature prominently in upcoming campaign messaging, given its influence on voter preferences.
