Freedom of speech is the right to say whatever you like about whatever you like, whenever you like, right? Wrong. ‘Freedom of speech is the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, by any means.’ Freedom of speech and the right to freedom of expression applies to ideas of all kinds… Continue reading Free Speech Part 11
Tag: Freedom
Free Speech Part 10
The comedian Rowan Atkinson talks about the importance of Free Speech. I wonder why Humza Yousaf feels that us in Scotland shouldn’t have any of that. He says, “Stirring up of hatred can contribute to a social atmosphere in which discrimination is accepted as normal. By creating robust laws for the justice system, parliament will… Continue reading Free Speech Part 10
Free Speech Part 9
The Education Secretary is set to threaten universities with fines or even deregistration if they ‘stifle’ freedom of speech. Gavin Williamson will outline his ‘free speech campaign’ in an effort to strengthen laws that protect free expression. He will appoint a new ‘free speech champion’ that has the power to fine universities or student unions… Continue reading Free Speech Part 9
Free Speech Part 8
In June last year, amid a wave of protests sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, a statue of the slave trader Edward Colston was pulled down by Woke protesters and thrown in Bristol harbour. It was later retrieved, and four people will face trial for alleged criminal… Continue reading Free Speech Part 8
Free Speech Part 7
UK Ministers have been reportedly angered by projects such as the National Trust’s Colonial Countryside Scheme, a children’s education project looking at how some historic properties are connected to empire and slavery. However, there is as yet little evidence of a mass move to remove statues or monuments. But it will come if something isn’t… Continue reading Free Speech Part 7
Free Speech Part 6
Oliver Dowden, the culture secretary, is to lead a roundtable discussion with two dozen heritage and culture bodies, including the National Trust, Historic England, the British Museum and other museums and galleries to discuss the Woke issue. Dowden has sent the institutions a letter saying countries should not “run from or airbrush the history upon… Continue reading Free Speech Part 6
Free Speech Part 5
The government is to appoint a “free-speech champion” and warn heritage bodies against taking significant steps in re-evaluating British history, as part of an intensification of its culture war agenda. In a sign that ministers believe that a battle against ‘Woke’ Culture plays well with voters, the Department for Education will appoint a “free-speech champion”… Continue reading Free Speech Part 5
Free Speech Part 4
Under Article 10 of the Human Rights Act 1998, “everyone has the right to freedom of expression” in the UK. But the law states that this freedom “may be subject to formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society”. The Scottish government believes a new law… Continue reading Free Speech Part 4
Free Speech Part 3
The internet and technology are growing at such a rapid pace that many argue that the law is behind the times. Internet giants like Google, YouTube and Facebook hold the ability to censor content and limit speech, but legally should they be allowed? Since they are private and not public businesses, some believe that they… Continue reading Free Speech Part 3
Free Speech Part 2
Free speech on campus has been a growing debate in recent years. A debate has been sparked because of disinvited speaking guests, and because administrators and students are advocating for speech codes at universities. Should college campuses limit free speech, and do they have the right to do so? There are many different instances when free… Continue reading Free Speech Part 2