FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Free Speech has been noted by one eminent judge as the ‘lifeblood of democracy’. It encompasses speech that people may find offensive. In our polarised society free speech is often under threat with people and groups being cancelled, harassed and even prosecuted. We advise and represent in civil cases that are concerned with free speech (e.g. where someone has a had a non-crime hate incident recorded against them). However, if you are being prosecuted, then you need to contact a solicitor who specialises in criminal law.

Freedom in the Arts v Leicester University

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A challenge by a sector-leading organisation that champions freedom of speech in the arts and heritage sector, to the trans-inclusion policy drafted by Leicester University and widely used across the sector.  As a result of the pre-action protocol letter, the University has significantly amended its guidance. Further changes are needed, and a further pre-action letter has been sent.  ONGOING

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Sullivan v Bristol University

A leading academic named Professor Alice Sullivan was invited to speak at the University of Bristol in October 2025. The senior leadership of the university then sought to marginalise her talk, placing successive restrictions on the event in violation of the university’s legal duties to secure free speech on campus.  They did little to manage the protests which intimidated attendees and severely disrupted the lecture.  This will be the first case taken under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, which came into force in August 2025. ONGOING