Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether she has made an assessment of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the Adam Smith Institute’s Freedom of Speech model Bill, published on 1 April 2026.

Freedom of speech is a fundamental right and a defining value of our open and diverse society. The Government is absolutely committed to upholding lawful free expression, including robust debate on matters of public interest, and all relevant legislation and policing powers are applied in line with the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

However, freedom of expression is a qualified right and can be restricted in certain situations. The legislative framework in the UK ensures that people are protected against criminal activity including threatening, harassing, or abusive behaviour. Freedom of speech must not be used as an excuse to cause harm or spread hatred.

The Government has launched an independent review of public order and hate crime legislation, led by Lord Ken Macdonald of River Glaven KC. The review will examine whether current legislation is fit for purpose in light of evolving protest tactics, community impacts, and the need to safeguard democracy.

The review will address three critical questions: whether existing legislation effective and proportionate; whether it adequately protects communities from intimidation and hate; and whether it strikes a fair and sustainable balance between the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, and the need to prevent disorder and keep communities safe.

The review is underway and will report to the Home Secretary in May 2026.