Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Protection of Free Speech 2024-05-01

2024-05-01

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Jerome Mayhew Con
Broadland and Fakenham
▸ Context
The Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order Act 2021 has recently come into force, raising concerns about its impact on free speech.
What recent discussions has the government had with the Scottish Government regarding the protection of free speech in Scotland?
Alister Jack
The government are committed to protecting free speech. It is the responsibility of the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament, working with Police Scotland, to ensure that hate crime legislation is implemented and enforced in a way that protects freedom of speech and has the confidence of people in Scotland.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific discussions are not detailed, focusing instead on general commitment to free speech protection.
General Principles
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Jerome Mayhew Con
Broadland and Fakenham
▸ Context
The Scottish Government's Hate Crime and Public Order Act 2021 has been criticized for potentially chilling free speech.
What lessons can the UK government learn from the introduction of the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021 in Scotland?
Alister Jack
The Scottish Government's act could have a potential chilling effect on free speech; it lacks clarity on what constitutes an offence. The UK government believes it is an awful piece of legislation and will not enact similar laws.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific lessons are not detailed, focusing instead on the negative impact of the legislation.
General Principles Negative Critique
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Pete Wishart SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
▸ Context
The Hate Crime Act has been heavily criticized by Conservative members, leading to calls for the Scottish Tories to back off.
Will the Secretary of State issue a directive telling the Scottish Tories to stop criticizing the Hate Crime Act?
Alister Jack
The laws already existed before this act. Police Scotland received 8,000 hate crime reports in the first week, more than any previous year. This is a ridiculous and unnecessary piece of legislation.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The question about issuing a directive was not answered; instead, the Secretary of State criticized the act's necessity and effectiveness.
Changing Subject
Response accuracy