We Have Free Speech In The UK!!!

The title of my video and blog post today is, We Have Free Speech In The UK!!! In this post, I look at the current state of free speech in the United Kingdom. A recent viral graphic highlighted the number of arrests for online comments, prompting debate about whether our freedoms are expanding or shrinking. I also respond to remarks from Prime Minister Keir Starmer about the Online Safety Act and the government’s approach to content moderation, and I consider all of this through a biblical lens.

What Sparked the Discussion

A widely shared chart claimed the UK topped the list for arrests related to online comments. Whatever the exact methodology or date range, the perception it created is striking: many ordinary people feel that challenging the narrative is increasingly risky. Public assurances about protecting children sit alongside powers that can curb speech. Both concerns can be true at the same time, which is why clear definitions and strong guardrails for liberty matter.

Free Speech and the Online Safety Act

Successive governments have said they support freedom of expression while also legislating to reduce harms online. The intent to protect children is important, but the execution matters. Laws framed to target real harms can, in practice, pressure platforms to over-remove lawful speech, especially when content is controversial but within the law. That is where many fear a chilling effect on open discussion.

This is insane https://t.co/zJHsJPHnPa

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 18, 2025

Three questions worth asking

Who decides what counts as harmful when the content is lawful but contested?
What redress does an ordinary person have when their lawful speech is removed or leads to disproportionate consequences?
Are we building processes that protect children and preserve robust space for democratic disagreement?

A Biblical Lens on the Cultural Moment

Scripture offers a candid description of the moral climate in the last days and reminds us how to live within it. The passage below from 2 Timothy has felt especially relevant.

2 Timothy 3:1–5 (NKJV)
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away.

Christians are called to speak the truth in love, to resist fear, and to contend for good laws that punish real evil while protecting liberty for all. That includes the difficult work of defending the right of others to speak, even when we profoundly disagree with them.

What We Can Do

Stand for truth with grace and courage in daily conversations.
Engage your MP respectfully and ask clear questions about how free speech will be safeguarded in practice.
Support local churches and ministries that disciple believers to think biblically about culture and law.
Pray for leaders to love truth and govern justly.

A Simple Prayer

If you are new to Christian faith or want to begin again with God, you can pray:

Dear Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as Lord and Saviour of my life. I repent of all my sins and I ask You today to take over complete control of every aspect of my life. Amen.

Continue the Conversation

I welcome thoughtful, civil comments. Do you think current policies strike the right balance, or do they risk chilling lawful speech? How should Christians respond?

If You Found This Helpful

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Disclaimer: This post shares my personal views and a biblical perspective. Please review primary sources and form your own conclusions.