Freedom Of Speech ‘Must Be Defended'

Priti Patel has told police chiefs they must defend freedom of speech amid fury over claims family arguments should be considered hate crimes.

- Michael Knowles

Legal experts want to remove a defence against the offence of stirring up division over race, religion and sexual orientation if the allegation involves conduct inside a home that “cannot be seen or heard outside”.

Free speech campaigners now fear heated debates over the dinner table could lead to prosecutions.

But the Home Secretary told police chiefs yesterday: “In recent weeks we have seen public concern over freedom of speech following investigations into comments made by public figures, so I wanted to set out my thoughts on this here today.

“Decisions of the police to investigate particular cases are clearly an operational matter which I cannot get involved in and will not comment on.

“But, as a general principle, while it is the job of the police to maintain order, we also look to you to uphold the law, which in this country has freedom at its heart.