Akshay DidwaniyaA new poll finds that most people in the UK think the government backs free speech only when it likes what it hears. Many also worry about unequal rules and online arrests.
More than half of people in the United Kingdom think the government defends free speech only when it agrees with the message. The Independent reports the finding from a study by the research firm More in Common. Free speech in Britain is now a real worry for many voters.
Government Accused of Picking Sides
The poll shows how many people doubt their leaders on this issue. “Fifty-four percent of Britons believe that the government protects free speech only when it agrees with what is said.”, the report states.
Worries About Unequal Rules
Almost a third of Britons, or 29 percent, fear that free speech laws treat people differently. Another 26 percent of respondents say some people can speak more freely than others. These numbers point to a trust gap around free speech in Britain.
Online Posts and Self Censorship
One in five Britons, or 22 percent, say they worry about people being detained or investigated over online comments. A further 18 percent feel they must watch their words in public or on the internet. The report does not state the sample size, the survey dates or the margin of error.
Mayur Mohta
