For months, right-wing politicians, including Vice President JD Vance, have accused Britain of chilling free speech by arresting people who posted inflammatory anti-migrant messages online during last summer’s riots. At the same time, left-wing activists in London are waging a legal battle against the British government for arresting peaceful protesters who carried signs in support of a pro-Palestine organization that the government has labeled a terrorist group. Until last week, the British police and the government had staunchly defended the arrests on both sides of the ideological spectrum as necessary for public safety. But the dramatic arrest last week of a comedian turned anti-transgender activist — the latest clash over the limits of free speech in Britain — may be causing officials to rethink their position. That has the potential to reshape the contours of a debate that has implications for politics, free expression and criminal justice in both countries.

Source: The Times September 10, 2025 12:11 UTC