LONDON – The United Kingdom is in the midst of a free speech crisis. Critics accuse Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, just two months in power, of cracking down on expression under the guise of safety. The left-wing government, along with the police and courts, are being called out for what many believe is a selective application of laws that limit free speech.
Lois McLatchie Miller, Senior Legal Communications Officer for Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) U.K., highlighted a concerning development in the U.K.’s approach to free speech. “Every Brit fundamentally has the right to free speech, but for several years now, we’ve seen a growing trend,” she told Fox News Digital. “It’s only now becoming widely recognized that certain groups, depending on their beliefs, seem to have their free speech curtailed much more easily than others with different viewpoints.”
New Government Pushes for Online Policing
The recent wave of unrest in the streets of England has reignited the debate on free speech. Last month, Prime Minister Starmer’s government issued a stern reminder to citizens about existing laws, warning against posting content deemed offensive or inciting hatred. The message was simple but chilling: “Think before you post!”
The warning came from the Crown Prosecution Service, amplified across social media platforms, cautioning citizens against inflammatory posts, especially concerning the ongoing riots.
“Content that incites violence or hatred isn’t just harmful – it can be illegal,” the agency warned.
“The CPS takes online violence seriously and will prosecute when the legal test is met. Remind those close to you to share responsibly or face the consequences.”
Online Safety Act: A Controversial Expansion
Simultaneously, the government is working to tighten its grip on online speech through changes to Britain’s Online Safety Act. The proposed amendments would hold social media companies accountable for not only illegal content but also “legal but harmful” content—sparking fears of censorship.
“I think very swiftly the government has realized there needs to be amendments to the Online Safety Act,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a vocal advocate for the changes, told The Guardian. “I think what the government should do very quickly is check if it is fit for purpose. I think it’s not fit for purpose.”
While Khan’s support highlights one perspective, others see the changes as an attack on fundamental freedoms.
A Two-Tier System?
Public anger is growing over what many perceive as a two-tier justice system. Last weekend, two pro-Israel counter-protesters—Mark Birbeck and Niyak Ghorbani—were arrested during a pro-Hamas march in London, a move that fueled allegations of double standards in policing. The arrest happened after their “Hamas is terrorist” sign caused a brief disruption in the march. Ghorbani, a prominent anti-Hamas dissident, has previously clashed with London’s Metropolitan Police, who unsuccessfully attempted to ban him from attending future protests.
Social media users have coined the term “Two-tier Kier” to describe the uneven application of the law under Prime Minister Starmer’s administration.
Faith and Freedom: Religious Speech Under Siege
The restrictions on free speech extend beyond political protests, targeting religious figures as well. Dia Moodley, a Christian preacher, was forced to take legal action after police prohibited him from “passing comments on any other religion or comparing them to Christianity” while delivering sermons. Moodley triumphed in court, with the police ultimately admitting the restrictions were disproportionate.
“On one hand, we see groups like environmental protesters, such as Stop Oil activists, or pro-Palestinian, and even in some cases, pro-Hamas protesters being given a wide berth to express their beliefs, sometimes using very violent language,” Lois said. “Yet, when we consider different types of protests, for example, Christians going out to pray near places of worship, they often face much stricter restrictions.”
This sentiment is echoed by the case of Adam Smith-Connor, a Christian veteran who now faces criminal prosecution for silently praying near an abortion clinic. Authorities claim his silent prayer violated a “buffer zone” around the facility, reigniting concerns about policing thoughts and beliefs. “Silent prayer is not, and can never be, a crime,” McLatchie Miller said, condemning what she described as the state’s move towards “thought-policing.”
Backlash Mounts Over Paused Free Speech Law
The UK government’s recent decision to pause a law safeguarding free speech on university campuses is facing fierce backlash from academics. Over 600 scholars, including seven Nobel laureates, signed a letter urging the government to reconsider its stance. The previous Conservative administration initially passed the law to protect free speech for students and faculty.
The letter, obtained by The Times of London, expressed grave concerns: “The decision to halt [the act] appears to reflect the view, widespread among opponents, that there is no ‘free speech problem’ in U.K. universities. Nothing could be more false. Hundreds of academics and students have been hounded, censured, silenced or even sacked over the last 20 years for the expression of legal opinions.”
As Britain grapples with these controversial policies, many wonder whether free speech will become yet another casualty of political correctness and government overreach.
