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Free Speech

“I disapprove of what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it”
Voltaire

Free speech really exemplifies the concept of freedom itself. What luxury to be able to say whatever you like, whenever you want, without fear of arrest or official censure. It’s the bread and butter of human rights, perhaps the most fundamental, inviolable right in a democracy, and it has some pretty stiff competition for that sacred place.

It almost goes without saying that the right to free speech has been fought for throughout history, all over the world, and remains an ongoing struggle. Whether over political convictions or porn, individuals and groups are constantly striving to be allowed to voice their beliefs in the face of censure. Many bold steps have been taken to define and secure the right to free speech, chipping away at the intimidation, intolerance and ignorance that smother it.

Britain has always been staunchly pro-free speech, and has an international reputation as a proudly outspoken nation. Now terrorism is achieving what two world wars couldn’t, and is stifling us.

It’s all small things at present; nothing so self-evident and alarming as a giant concrete wall or a tank stationed where you used to park your car. But as an increasing number of people who’ve fallen foul of new legal restrictions on this most breezeblock-basic right can tell you, it’s gaining ground.

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