Do fascists have the right to free speech?

Asks Peter Tatchell, about Nick Griffin and David Irving being invited to speak at the Oxford Union, about “The Limits of Free Speech” no less (and somewhat ironically).

Yes, of course they do, and of course they should.

You don’t have to listen.

And you do and should have the right to express your views about their speech.

Says the BBC,

For some anti-fascist campaigners like Donna Guthrie, the fact that David Irving’s views are offensive to large numbers of people is enough to prevent him from speaking.

A large number of people would find Donna Guthrie’s views offensive. However, she would undoubtedly disagree that she should be prevented from voicing them.

For libertarians like Brendan O’Neill, editor of the anti-censorship website Spiked, the convention does not go nearly far enough in protecting his right to say whatever he likes.

“I believe that there should be no limits at all on free speech,” he said. “No-one has the right not to be offended: that is the essence of a free society.”

He said that those who try to censor debate because it might stir up trouble were under-estimating the intelligence of the audience.

“The only time free speech should be restricted is if there is a clear and imminent danger of violence,” he said.

“Otherwise, even if what is being said might be defined as inflammatory then we still should not censor it,” he said. “People are not attack dogs – they are not automatically going to become violent if they hear controversial things.”

“Rather, these views should be expressed and challenged. Otherwise these horrible ideas will not be defeated, but will survive and fester underground.”

Well said.

In another BBC article,

Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris, who is billed to speak at the forum, said it was the “views of these extremists which are a disgrace” and “not their right to hold their views”.

“I have spent my whole political life opposing racism and bigotry, but it is vital to demonstrate that they will be defeated within our existing laws.

“The measure of our country’s respect for free expression is our willingness to allow it for the most objectionable and offensive lawful speech, not just for those with whom we agree.”

Exactly.

Joined up government

Data protection minister Michael Wills has said he was not told that two discs containing 25 million people’s data had been lost before an official statement.

…

He added he thought that “perfectly reasonable” adding: “I would expect … the responsible ministers first of all to discover the extent of the problem; and then to do whatever they could to put the problem right immediately.”
…
He also denied knowing anything about other data breaches reported in the newspapers – but said he had yet to ascertain all the facts.

The Earl of Onslow asked: “So there are lots of leaks and you know nothing about it – and you’re minister for data protection?”

(the BBC)