United Kingdom

While protections for freedom of expression generally hold strong in the UK, recent developments justified on the grounds of national security are troubling. Overbroad surveillance powers undermine protections for whistleblowers, activists and journalists. Proposals to revise the Official Secret Acts threaten access to information,while calls for increased internet regulations and encryption restrictions have sent alarming signals to everyone working in the field. The vote to leave the European Union in 2016 has exacerbated xenophobia, and increased hate speech online and in media outlets has deepened concerns about a divisive press. Concentration of media ownership and the uncertain future of the UK’s legal framework for press self-regulation has led to a situation where the public’s right to access reliable information is regularly undermined.

UK: Authorities must be on high alert for transnational repression over China protest
06.02.2025 8 min read

UK: Authorities must be on high alert for transnational repression over China protest

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No journalist left behind: The Jimmy Lai Bill could save British journalists abroad
03.02.2025 5 min read

No journalist left behind: The Jimmy Lai Bill could save British journalists abroad

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UK: Prime Minister must take urgent action to free Alaa Abd el-Fattah
20.12.2024 6 min read

UK: Prime Minister must take urgent action to free Alaa Abd el-Fattah

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Remembering Paddy Coulter
04.11.2024 3 min read

Remembering Paddy Coulter

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UK: Prime minister must rethink plans for facial recognition surveillance
13.08.2024 10 min read

UK: Prime minister must rethink plans for facial recognition surveillance

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UK: Protect communities and tackle discriminatory violence
07.08.2024 6 min read

UK: Protect communities and tackle discriminatory violence

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International: Competition authorities’ intent to share insights on AI policy a positive step
29.07.2024 3 min read

International: Competition authorities’ intent to share insights on AI policy a positive step

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UK: Open government can rebuild trust, support reforms, and drive efficiency
09.07.2024 20 min read

UK: Open government can rebuild trust, support reforms, and drive efficiency

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International: Julian Assange is free – but threats to press freedom remain
25.06.2024 2 min read

International: Julian Assange is free – but threats to press freedom remain

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