The UK is a third-class nation with free speech. It is embarrassing, says MP Graham Stringer – telegraph UK
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Having this understanding of the importance of the press I was incensed by the “Stasi-like” intrusion into the home of Telegraph journalist Allison Pearson on Remembrance Sunday of all days. This is why I raised the matter at Prime Minister’s Questions.
I don’t know why the police are in effect pushing the boundaries of free speech back, but they are.
Although my free speech rights in the chamber are guaranteed, the rest of the citizenry’s rights are dependent on Common Law and the limits are more flexible.
I am pleased to see that the exposure to discussion in the Commons seems to have helped persuade the police to withdraw their action.
I am sure the public want them to deal with real crime and not thought crime. After all, the clear-up rates on shoplifting and burglary are pitifully low.
In the aftermath of the Commons question, some Telegraph readers and others expressed surprise that a Labour MP would raise the issue of free speech and freedom of the press. I understand why.
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