That’s Debatable!

• Can Free Speech Unite the Kingdom?

  This week on That’s Debatable… Charlie Kirk, a bastion for free speech and open debate, was tragically assassinated last week. Everyone at The FSU is still holding the wife and young children of Charlie Kirk in our thoughts and prayers. Jan describes her experience witnessing The Unite the Kingdom march for free speech that took place on 13th September, where many Free Speech Union members were present.  The Leader of the Opposition has asked General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, Toby Young, to lead a review of Britain's free speech laws. The provisional recommendations are due to be issued in December 2025. Edited by Jason Clift

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• Down With This Sort of Thing!

  Jan Macvarish is joined by Vinay Kapoor who runs the Free Speech Union’s funding stream for students and young people, the Ian Mactaggart Programme. They begin by responding to the outrageous arrest of comedy writer Graham Linehan by five armed police officers at Heathrow Airport. Graham has not yet been charged but police are investigating him for three tweets posted earlier this year. The FSU is providing Graham with legal support, raising funds with a crowdfunder, and has succeeded in overturning the bail conditions that forbade him from posting on X.   Vinay speaks about his time as a student at Warwick University where he launched his own society for open inquiry and debate, called Warwick Speakeasy. Now that he has graduated, he will be concentrating on expanding the FSU’s outreach to a younger audience through tailored events and by encouraging free speech initiatives by other young people. Vinay is committed to resurrecting the ‘socratic’ approach to intellectual development and public discourse where everything is open to question in the pursuit of critical thinking and deeper understanding. Finally, Jan encourages our viewers and listeners to get their tickets for The War on Science on 4th October (FSU Members can book discounted tickets) and the Battle of Ideas Festival on the 18th and 19th October (FSU Members can use the promo code in the weekly newsletter to unlock a reduced rate). Edited by Jason Clift

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• What REALLY happens at the Free Speech Union…

  Celeste, an FSU Case Officer, and External Affairs Officer Connie discuss what goes on behind the scenes at the FSU, what case officers do when they receive your emails to the [email protected] line, and what tactics they deploy against those who try to silence you.    Cases and news of note include: The Islamophobia definition delayed down to the FSU’s pressure on the government  Disabled 8 year old boy banned from summer camp due to his mother’s gender critical views Robert Moss, retired fireman, arrested for criticising his former employer Events and Offers: The War On Science panel with Richard Dawkins, Lawrence Krauss, Alice Sullivan, John Armstrong and Alan Sokal, 4th October  Battle of Ideas: FSU members get 20% off tickets! New students get half price FSU memberships for £14.99 Edited By Jason Clift

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• Lucy Connolly RELEASED: Toby Young answers common questions

  Lucy Connolly, the child minder who was jailed for 31 months for a single tweet, has been released from prison. The Free Speech Union funded her appeal in May 2025. In this episode, Toby Young answers some common questions surrounding Lucy Connolly’s case. Edited by Jason Clift

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• Pensioner ARRESTED for criticising former employer

  This week on That’s Debatable… The Free Speech Union had a trip to Margate beach to protest Thanet District Council’s new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). Being so broad and over-reaching, the PSPO is likely unlawful and has the effect of banning swearing in public and taking the mickey! The FSU are threatening legal action if Thanet District Council does not alter the wording of the PSPO. Along with JD Vance’s visit to the UK came a report from the US state department which referenced a decline in human rights regarding free speech.  Labour Cllr Ricky Jones was acquitted by a jury after being charged with encouraging violent disorder which has caused considerable outcry from those who disagree with the treatment Lucy Connolly received for her tweet.   Scottish army veteran, David Toshack, was sacked from his role as a police custody officer due to his ‘strong views’ being incompatible with company policy and ‘the law’. His strong views? That sex is real, immutable and important. Support his case here: freespeechunion.org/david-toshack-l/ Edited by Jason Clift

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