A councillor in Bracknell has claimed freedom of speech is ‘under attack’ in a debate over the right to expression and democracy.
A councillor in Bracknell has claimed that freedom of speech is ‘under attack’ during a council debate on the right to expression and democracy.
At a recent Bracknell Forest Council meeting, representatives discussed a perceived erosion of free speech. The Conservatives submitted a motion calling for the council to uphold freedom of speech while Sandhurst Town councillor John Edwards is investigated for allegedly ‘stirring up racial hatred’.
Cllr Edwards questioned the Grange Hotel being used as ‘transition accommodation’ for people granted asylum after fleeing Afghanistan. Cllr John Harrison (Conservative) stated, “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy. Without it, our ability to represent residents is silenced.”
He added that arrests related to social media comments have become alarmingly common, citing the case of Graham Linehan, who was arrested over a hate crime allegation, and Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for inciting hatred via a social media post.
During the discussion, Labour councillor Stephen O’Regan pointed out that the US's approach to free speech has its own limitations and we shouldn’t take cues from it. He stated, “In the US, you cannot incite violence; their freedom of speech is constrained, as it is here.”
Cllr Patrick Smith (Liberal Democrats) noted that freedom of speech is protected under the European Convention on Human Rights and highlighted the irony of Conservatives potentially exiting it. He remarked, “Genuine freedom must be universal; picking and choosing when freedoms apply is not advocating for human rights.”
Mary Temperton (Labour), the council leader, proposed an amendment affirming freedom of speech as vital, provided it does not incite hatred, aligning with legal standards. Cllr Harrison concluded that while he disagreed with the amendment, he wasn’t entirely opposed to it. The amendment passed with 21 votes in favour, six against, and one abstention on September 10.
James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporter
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