A polling survey commissioned by the human rights organization Liberty suggests free speech will significantly influence voters at the next general election. The research, conducted by More in Common among a nationally representative sample of over 2,000 people across Great Britain, found that approximately 60 percent of respondents indicated their voting choices would be affected by a political party’s stance on freedom of expression.
The survey revealed public concern about specific government policies and political rhetoric perceived as harmful to free speech protections. Two in five respondents felt that arrests related to demonstrations expressing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action had negatively impacted freedom of speech, while only one in five viewed such actions positively. Additionally, more than a third of those polled believed that calls by politicians to ban certain phrases at protests represented a detriment to free speech, compared with just over one-quarter who saw such efforts favorably.
Liberty director Akiko Hart characterized the findings as a warning signal for the government, arguing that public confidence in the administration’s protection of fundamental rights has diminished. Hart emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent, non-partisan approaches to safeguarding free expression while preventing discrimination. The organization called on the prime minister to demonstrate leadership by shifting policy direction away from expanded restrictions and toward stronger principled protections.
Government responses emphasized the distinction between lawful speech and unlawful behavior. A Home Office spokesperson stated that while freedom of speech and peaceful protest remain fundamental rights, drawing clear lines between expressing views and engaging in unlawful activities such as inciting violence or supporting proscribed organizations remains necessary. The polling was released ahead of a joint Liberty and More in Common panel event scheduled for the Labour party conference, with the Labour party also approached for comment on the findings.
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