You Can’t Say That! Free Speech and its Limits.

A friendly round-table discussion led by Barry Newman. Free entry - all welcome. A voluntary donation of £3.00 is appreciated but not obligatory. Join us in the hotel bar afterwards to continue the discussion.

Free speech is widely regarded as essential to a free and democratic society. But does that mean we should be free to say whatever we like? What about speech that offends, causes distress or is regarded as harmful? And who should decide where the boundaries lie?

From controversial speakers and public protests to “cancel culture” and self-censorship, arguments about free expression have become increasingly heated. Drawing on humanist principles, we’ll explore why free speech matters, when restrictions may be justified, and where we should draw the line.