Free speech and the use of armed police

That this House expresses its deep concern at the arrest of writer Graham Linehan by armed police officers at Heathrow Airport on allegations relating to online speech; notes with alarm that such disproportionate action risks undermining free expression in the United Kingdom; believes that police resources should be prioritised towards tackling violent crime, organised crime and illegal migration rather than policing lawful speech; calls for an urgent review of incitement and hate speech laws to ensure that only genuine threats of violence are captured; and urges the Government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting free speech as the cornerstone of British democracy.

• Rupert Lowe Sponsor
• Mr Peter Bedford
• Sir Desmond Swayne
• Jim Allister
• Sir Gavin Williamson
• Andrew Rosindell
• Mr Andrew Snowden
• Sir John Whittingdale
• Alex Easton
• Jack Rankin
• Sammy Wilson
• Jim Shannon
• James McMurdock
• Bob Blackman
• Carla Lockhart
• Sir John Hayes