The Free Speech Union

Former UK government Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho MP reveals how civil service "group think" stopped questioning of Net Zero. From misleading costings to attempts to silence dissent, Coutinho reveals why she believes the Climate Change Act needs a total reset. #freespeech #netzero #climatechange Support the Free Speech Union: https://freespeechunion.org/join Follow the Free Speech Union X/Twitter: https://x.com/SpeechUnion Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freespeechunion/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeechUnion

The Peter Mandelson scandal is unfolding, and the Labour government are drafting legislation to grant themselves the power to strip Lord Mandelson of his title. Seems justifiable. But could this have huge unintended consequences for all members of the House of Lords? Founder and General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, and Conservative Peer, Toby Young thinks so. #mandelson #labour #cancelculture Follow Toby Young: https://x.com/toadmeister Join the Free Speech Union: https://freespeechunion.org/ Follow the Free Speech Union: https://x.com/SpeechUnion https://www.instagram.com/freespeechunion/ https://www.facebook.com/SpeechUnion

This week, Jan Macvarish speaks to Brendan O’Neill about the regulation of Grok, how bad things were on Twitter before the Musk era and whether we can rely on billionaires to provide us with free speech. They then move on to discuss the inspiring struggle for freedom in Iran and whether Brits who support freedom and democracy would be prepared to take to the streets in a similar manner. Many political protests in the UK today seem to be favouring backwards foreign tyrannies or undermining the UK’s civic norms. What’s the correct perspective on the threat of authoritarianism in the UK under Keir Starmer? How do we defend our freedoms without sliding into doomerism? And finally, are younger people defying woke? FSU members can register for the exclusive Webinar with Q and A, 'The Struggle for Freedom in Iran’, taking place on Wednesday 21st January, by clicking on the link in last Friday’s newsletter and watching out for emails from FSU Events. All are welcome at the in-person London event 'In Defence of Trial by Jury' on Thursday 29th January. Click on this link to get tickets. Spiked Supporters should check their emails for details of a special discount code. And viewers and listeners in Scotland should come to the Free Speech Union’s Glasgow Roadshow on Friday 13th February. Tickets can be purchased here.

Darren Grimes is the Reform UK deputy leader of County Durham County Council. Since Reform was elected to Durham County Council in May, there have been 172 complaints about councillors, with 34 leading to taxpayer-funded investigations. 21 of the complaints were against Darren Grimes. Darren subsequently amended the constitution to protect freedom of speech. The amendments were inspired by the FSU code of conduct for elected members that will protect their freedom of expression which Bromley Council has also adopted. It says “the right to freedom of speech under the law is the basis of democracy and will be upheld at all times and there is no right to be offended by any lawful expression”. The amendment has been met with backlash from opposition councillors who have branded the protection of freedom of speech as a dangerous move, with one even arguing that it "encourages real violence”... Join the Free Speech Union: freespeechunion.org/join Follow Darren: https://x.com/darrengrimes Follow the Free Speech Union X/Twitter: x.com/SpeechUnion Instagram: www.instagram.com/freespeechunion Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeechUnion

Cath Leng is a former BBC journalist who has spoken out amidst the BBC bias scandal. Disciplined for raising serious concerns about lack of impartiality on the reporting of transgender stories and censorship of gender critical perspectives, Leng reveals how she was forced out of the BBC for simply doing her job. Speaking to External Affairs Officer Connie Shaw, they explore why balanced and impartial broadcasting is essential for public discourse and debate. Join the Free Speech Union: freespeechunion.org/join Follow Cath: https://x.com/leng_cath Follow SEEN in Journalism: https://x.com/JournalismSEEN Follow the Free Speech Union X/Twitter: x.com/SpeechUnion Instagram: www.instagram.com/freespeechunion