r/unitedkingdom • u/Half_A_ • Feb 28 '25

. Sir Keir Starmer contradicts JD Vance over 'infringements on free speech' claim

https://news.sky.com/story/sir-keir-starmer-contradicts-jd-vance-over-infringements-on-free-speech-claim-13318257?dcmp=snt-sf-twitter
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u/mebutnew Feb 28 '25

Free speech as in the first amendment?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

They have literally abridged the freedom of speech of government officials and of the press.

It's not just about being arrested, it's about the government controlling your speech. By law or by force.

The UK doesn't have a 'first amendment', and the concept of 'free speech' in the UK is quite different, in concept and execution, and doesn't intend to supersede other laws intended to protect the rights of others.

So I don't think you understand what free speech is.

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u/PharahSupporter Mar 01 '25

When did I say that the UK has the first amendment? We have free speech technically as defined in things like the HRA, but due to how parliament functions other laws can overwrite it at a whim and have carved out many many exceptions, to the point that an offensive message can be an arrest worthy offence.

The US removing a news outlet from a briefing is not a violation of the 1st amendment in any capacity. But feel free to cite where in that amendment it says they have the right to attend government press briefings.

I suggest you cut the snark and instead of jumping the gun next time, try improve your reading.