Understanding Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While care has been taken to provide accurate and up-to-date information on freedom of expression and freedom of speech in the UK, laws may change, and individual circumstances can vary. If you require advice on a specific legal matter, you should seek professional legal counsel. DisabledEntrepreneur.UK follows a strict editorial code; we report trending, verified news without personal opinions, misinformation, or gaslighting.

🔊 Listen to Post

What Is Freedom of Expression?

Freedom of expression and freedom of speech are fundamental human rights, recognised under international and domestic law. They empower individuals to voice their opinions, share ideas, and engage in open debate, which is vital for a democratic society. However, these freedoms are not absolute; they come with responsibilities and legal boundaries.

Freedom of expression is protected by Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which is incorporated into UK law by the Human Rights Act 1998. It includes the right to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority.

This protection covers:

• Freedom of speech (spoken words)
• Freedom of the press
• Artistic expression (literature, art, film, etc.)
• Freedom to receive information (access to ideas and opinions)

What Is Freedom of Speech?

Freedom of speech is a key element of freedom of expression. It specifically relates to the right to communicate one’s opinions, whether orally, in writing, or through media platforms, without censorship from the state.

What You Can Do

Within the boundaries of the law, individuals in the UK can:

• Express political opinions, even if they criticise the government.
• Debate religion, culture, or social issues openly.
• Share information and ideas online, in print, or through broadcast media.
• Protest peacefully and campaign for change.
• Use satire, comedy, or art as a form of expression.
• Criticise public figures, provided it does not cross into unlawful defamation.

What You Cannot Do

Freedom of expression is limited where it infringes on the rights, safety, or reputation of others. Restrictions are set out in UK law to balance free speech with public order and protection from harm. You cannot legally:

• Incite violence or terrorism: promoting attacks, riots, or extremist activity.
• Spread hate speech: abusive or threatening speech that targets people based on race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
• Harass or stalk someone online or offline.
• Defame others: making false statements that damage someone’s reputation (libel and slander).
• Breach confidentiality or privacy: e.g., sharing personal data without consent.
• Incite racial or religious hatred: covered by the Public Order Act 1986.
• Distribute obscene material: extreme pornography or offensive publications.
• Cause panic or public disorder: such as shouting “fire” in a crowded place when untrue.
• Threaten violence: whether serious or intended as a “joke”.

The Balance Between Rights and Responsibility

The law recognises that free speech is essential, but it must be balanced with protecting individuals from harm. Courts will often weigh up the right to free expression against competing rights, such as the right to privacy (Article 8 ECHR) or the need to prevent crime.

Conclusion

Freedom of expression and freedom of speech are cornerstones of democracy, but they are not unlimited. Everyone has the right to express themselves, yet must do so responsibly, respecting the rights, dignity, and safety of others. Knowing what is permitted and what crosses the line ensures a society where dialogue thrives without leading to harm.

Ironically, we tried adding a comment to one of our articles, and MSN said our comment did not meet their publishing guidelines and refused to post the snippet:

“At DisabledEntrepreneur.In the UK, we adhere to a strict editorial code to ensure accuracy, fairness, and integrity in everything we publish. We do not spread misinformation or attempt to gaslight our readers. Instead, we focus on reporting news that is already trending and verified through credible sources. Our role is not to provide personal opinions but to present clear, factual information that empowers readers to form their own views. This commitment to ethical journalism safeguards trust with our audience and strengthens the impact of our advocacy”.

Further Reading & Resources

• https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/human-rights-act/article-10-freedom-expression
• https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents
• https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/human-rights-act/article-8-respect-your-private-and-family-life
• Lucy Connolly claims she was Starmer’s ‘political prisoner’ after release from jail for race hate post | The Independent
• Lucy Connolly released from prison after race hate post on X – BBC News
• Father Ted creator Graham Linehan was ‘relentless’ in his social media posts about transgender woman he ‘harassed’, court hears  | Daily Mail Online
• Public Order Act 1986
• Mum arrested at Epping protest ‘while holding a Union Jack’ claims ‘police almost broke her arm’
• Why have thousands of St George’s and union jack flags gone up? – BBC News