Monthly Action - September 2025 - Free Speech and Freedom to Protest

Arise’s Reform Movements campaign supports Christians campaigning for democracy and human rights under repressive regimes around the world. But recently there have been worrying trends to suppress freedom of protest and free speech right here in the UK. Take action this month to protect human rights and freedoms.

 

Freedom of protest and free speech

In July the government proscribed (effectively banned) the campaign group Palestine Action. The organisation was famous for taking non-violent direct action in protest against the conflict in Gaza, such as vandalising UK military planes. Prosecuting the perpetrators of such individual crimes is widely seen as legitimate and fair enough, and indeed is often part of the campaign plan of activists, to draw attention to their cause. However, banning a peaceful non-violent protest group entirely is a major and worrying step that sets a dangerous precedent. This is something the government said it would never do, and something that has only previously been done for organisations that are outrightly inciting and directly involved in violence. The loosely worded legislation means that any expressed sympathy for the group, or in theory even against the conflict in Gaza itself, could be seen as a criminal act. Over 1,600 completely peaceful people have been arrested simply for protesting against the ban since July as a result.

Meanwhile at the Unite the Kingdom rally in London on 13 September 200,000 people turned up to hear speeches from far right groups, many of which flirted with openly inciting violence, with no action taken against them. (Although of course the police did rightly make arrests when violent incidents occurred.) Elsewhere popularists and far right billionaires, tech barons and social influencers supposedly champion free speech, whilst using their power and influence to shut down the freedom to speak of those who oppose their views. Meanwhile, cancel culture is used to silence and shut down discussions and different viewpoints even when the discussions are entirely peaceful and respectful.

 

Freedom, tolerance and respect

As Christians we believe the freedom to promote ideas and criticise, protest, debate and challenge others is essential. This is a fundamental principle of human rights which are themselves deeply rooted in Christian values. We explore this in the Arise Manifesto, Arise’s Christian vision for a better world (Arise Manifesto, pg 84) and in several blogs on standing for the truth, media freedom, culture wars and political violence. There are of course limits to that right of free speech. Threats of violence, incitement to violence, lies and slander are completely unacceptable, are already illegal and should be prosecuted, whether they take place in traditional media or in online social media or any other forum. Again, the Bible tells us, “Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways” (Prov 3: 31), “Do not go about spreading slander among your people” (Lev 19: 16) and that we should “Have nothing to do with a false charge” (Ex 23: 7). Free speech for all to engage in discussion, protest and debate (even of views that some might find offensive) is OK and must be protected, but threats of violence, lies and slander are not OK, and should be prosecuted (Arise Manifesto, pg 105 – 106).  As a society we need to rediscover and hold true to these values. 

Will you take action this month to urge our government to protect free speech and freedom of protest, whilst prosecuting incitement to violence, lies and slander?

 

Take Action

Speak out in advocacy
Write to the Prime Minister in your own words urging his government to protect human rights and freedoms in the UK, specifically …

1. Ensure the right of peaceful protest and free speech for all, rescinding the ban on any peaceful non-violent protest group.
2. Vigorously prosecute all incitement to violence, lies, slander and deliberate misinformation.

Write to the Prime Minister at:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
or contact him via social media, details here.

Pray
Pray for the biblical values of freedom, respect, tolerance and peace to reassert themselves more strongly in British public life. Pray that the right of peaceful protest and free speech for all will be protected, whilst incitement to violence, lies, slander and deliberate misinformation is vigorously prosecuted.

Give
Give to organisations like Hope not Hate and Amnesty International and your own church, that seek to bring harmony, tolerance and respect in communities whilst upholding human rights and freedom of speech and protest for all.

Practical Action
Play your part in protecting free speech and the free discussion of ideas in your work life, in societies or organisations you are involved with, in conversations with friends and family, and online. Stand against incitement to violence, lies and slander.

Ethical consumption
Vote with your feet and chose to reject and refuse to read, watch or share social media content with dubious facts, that incites violence and intolerance.

 

Find out more

Latest news – Updates on previous campaigns and latest news from the Arise movement.

Join a local Arise group in your church or area – It’s great to take this action as individual Christians, but even better to come together with others to pray, discuss, worship, learn, have fun and take action together.  Contact Arise if you are interested.

Arise Manifesto – Find out more about this month’s action in the Arise Manifesto, Arise’s big picture, researched, Biblical, holistic and practical vision for a better world. 

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