Does Freedom of Speech still exist in the UK?

Alan A

If true freedom of speech existed, it would do so for everyone, no matter how against the grain their opinions were.

Sir, I disagree with your statement, but I will fight to the death for your right to make it

mistickle17

I feel it only exists for certain groups and religions! Not fair but no one cares!

liam0_m

only certain people

Amir N

What utter nonsense I have been reading. Freedom of speech exists in the UK and continues to exist. That is why the BNP are able to rally on and on about their awfully xenophobic platform in public without police intervention, it is why religious preachers, Christian, Mormons, Jehovahs Witnesses etc are able to preach in public, it is why you are able to say what you want to say when you want to say it.

However, in every democracy, there is a limit to what you are free to say. You are not allowed to say anything that would be a stain on the character of a person if it is not true, similarly, you are not allowed to say anything that may cause a person harassment, alarm or distress.

We are still able to make jokes about religions and criticise religions. Just because people don't read the laws but instead make up the laws or read it the way they want it to be read, in order to say how bad the government is and how it was better in the good old days. The 'good old days' were the days where ethnic minorities were second class citizens, where women too, were treated as property, where people were slaves and people could act and say the most utterly disgusting comments and get away with it.

Society has moved on and we have a duty to all, to ensure that our comments and speech as well as our actions are not offensive to those that are subject of them. Just as you would not like being bad mouthed or lies being spread about your opinions or beliefs, so too are those of the ethnic minorities you seem to believe are overly protected by the law.

Rubbish! The law applies to all religions, to all people, to all races, not just a few, not just a couple, but to all.

We are freer than most other countries, that is fact, but we must never forget that we too have a responsibility to treat that freedom with respect and to use it responsibly to ensure that all people are able to say what they want to say without unduly offending another to such a degree that they are hurt by what was said.

Britain is not a police state, it is still a very free country because practice and tradition have allowed the courts to recognise these freedoms as being 'natural rights' and 'natural justice'. If you feel that your freedom to rant on about ethnic minorities or religions is being held back, consider it from a different perspective and think about how it would feel if you were the subject of those comments.

You'd be lying if you'd say you wouldn't take offence or were not alarmed or distressed at some of the things people are saying nowadays.

Pleasant Peter Perkins

Technically, freedom of speech has never really existed. It has always been illegal to say certain things in the UK...blasphemy....racial epiphets...etc

The use of words is particularly interesting in the English language though because it is such a fast changing language. French has hardly changed at all in the last 500 years whereas the English spoken 500 years ago would be very difficult to understand today.

Given the constant change and adaption it is easy to see why people would feel that they are restricted in choosing language, when in fact they are empowered by speaking one of the most expressive and adaptable languages in the world.

Nikita21

I don't think there has ever been complete freedom of speech in the UK. If there was true freedom of speech everyone would be free to encourage paedophillia, regicide etc, without fear of action by the police.

gemma.peers

Yes you can get it from Costco in the Personal Hygene section

Natalie B

No, it doesn't exist. You can no longer express opinions about minority groups without being branded a racist/bigot etc, even if your opinions are ones which spark a valid discussion/debate

pablo escobar

Good question and well worded.
No and YES.

Clarke K

Sadly NO !!!!

Laws that set-out to "protect ME" (an ethnic minority ) do so only by "oppressing YOU" and in my view, that can NEVER, EVER BE JUSTIFIED.

Such laws can only lead to a backlash.

If citizens with "moderate views" are afraid, due to "PC" and legislation, to express those views, then extremists will prevail.

Please note that I have NEVER been discriminated against or abused because of my ethnicity - I guess, largely due to my attitude - I live in England, GREAT Britain and therefore observe British customs and values - those who do not adopt British values are UNWELCOME guests and DO NOT belong here.

I'm pro-European, I have friends of all shades and colours and religions - AND they all seem to think like me !

It therefore follows that legislation is being driven by "extreme" minorities.

It's time for the British public to say ENOUGH is ENOUGH !!!

MaryBeth

I hope it does for my cousins over there.
It is only hanging on by a thread here in the USA.

lollipoppett2005

Not since political correctness jumped in...........

driverfus

only for certin people,

nenealne

if you think freedom of speech exist in the UK look up section four of the public order act this piece of utter rubbish give the haves the power to get you arrested if they dont like what you say !

Terry W

Totally and uterly - freedom of speech exists - You were able to ask this question and others reply. That is freedom of speech and its very rear in the world.

cereal killer

yes but excludes anthing against muslims, current political trends, muslims, homophobia, muslims, .................

Gone Fishing

No it doesn't because the majority in the country cannot air their views without being called swivel eyed right wingers and racists.

the Jamster

Only if your are of the minority and claiming everything from the council and government. I'm white and was born here and i am now in the minority in my mother country and my mother tongue is now a second language to 56% of kids in the inner city schools which really annoys me. Please bring back FREEDOM OF SPEECH TO ALL PEOPLE HERE IN ENGLAND

Charlie Farlie

of course it does, i say what i want no mandate was ever given
to the politicians to form the"political correctness club"
its only the the masses have been brainwashed to believe
that they cant say what they like,
look at the hysteria over Jade goodie, shes not a racist,
she was just set up by the media but now the PC brigade are
making mountains out of a molehill.
Even the police are getting involved , this must be stupid,
with england sinking in the mire with all types of crime
police will waste time investigating Jade goodie,
She cant be found guilty and sent to jail because the cells are full
CARRY ON SAYING WHAT YOU LIKE as long as you dont offend anyone

aleta_uk_0

it does not exist for the people who are in the majority in this country (race and religion).

welshwalesdragon

britain is vastly becoming a police state and its all labours fault

geoff d

NAH ! DEFINITELY NOT ON HERE !.......LOL

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