Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been challenged by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP to “ensure that this country remains a beacon for freedom of religion or belief across the world” in light of recent arrests over silent prayer near abortion facilities

“After all, not one citizen actually spoke at the trial to say that they were offended by the tweet or other material. Even Twitter didn’t take it down. This was simply a matter of the state policing belief” says Lois McLatchie for UnHerd

“At best, this is willful blindness, at worst, an unabashed leap towards authoritarianism” ADF UK’s Jeremiah Igunnubole says of the PCSC bill, which would allow police to restrict noisy conduct that even risks causing “serious unease”.

Ten years ago, no one would have batted an eyelid at Maya Forstater’s view that “men cannot change into women” says Lois McLatchie. Nowadays, expressing such a view can result in you losing your job, she observes.

The laws that govern behaviour on our streets have had a chilling effect on freedom of speech. Ambiguous wording in legislation and confused enforcement protocols have led to a spate of arrests for legitimate speech and protest. We are working to improve the law and to change how the law is enforced so that you can speak in public with confidence.

Finnish politician begins trial for tweet while demonstrators protest for the right to free speech