A recent poll conducted by More in Common for the human rights group Liberty indicates that 54 percent of British citizens feel the government only defends speech that aligns with its own views. The survey highlights a widespread perception of inconsistent legal enforcement, with many respondents fearing that authorities apply free speech protections unequally. Key concerns cited include restrictions on public protests, police investigations into online communications, and the banning of specific activist groups. Data suggests that voters across the political spectrum share these anxieties, particularly regarding the ability to criticize those in power without facing repercussions. Liberty warns that this perceived lack of impartiality risks fostering deep societal mistrust in democratic institutions. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population reports feeling pressured to self-censor their opinions in public or digital spaces, reflecting a broader unease about the current state of civil liberties in the United Kingdom.
Source : The Independent
Photo : The Independent
