We support the fullest possible freedom of expression compatible with the rights and freedoms of others in a democratic society.
Freedom of expression is an essential liberty, without which societies can easily slide into a culture of oppression, suspicion, and fear. Free expression is essential for the resolution of disagreements openly and democratically, for individual fulfilment, for the advancement of knowledge, and for social progress.
For most of the history of the UK, laws of censorship and criminal offences of blasphemy and sedition imposed severe legal restrictions on speech and expression.
Today, freedom of speech and expression is a human right that enjoys international and domestic legal protection. It is a hard-won right, for which we are indebted to past generations of progressive campaigners and activists. We work to safeguard, defend, and expand it.
The right to freedom of speech and expression is not total. Like any freedom, it can be legitimately limited in the interests of the rights and freedoms of others in some narrow circumstances.
These restrictions cannot be like the restrictions of the past, which were established to protect those in power and suppress alternative opinions. They are and should always be solely to prevent harm to others. The outlawing of harassment to prevent intimidation and persecution, the outlawing of false claims in advertising, and proportionate limits on the promotion of intolerance can all be justified in some circumstances in a democratic society.
The freedom to criticise ideas – any ideas, even if they are sincerely held beliefs – is one of the fundamental freedoms of society
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it
Our work on freedom of expression
Below you can explore our policy briefings and active campaigns relating to freedom of expression.
