Committee take evidence on freedom of expression
8 December 2020
Joint Committee on Human Rights holds its introductory evidence session for its inquiry into freedom of expression, looking at issues such as whether everyone has freedom of speech, who has it and who doesn’t, freedom of speech in universities, the law relating to hate speech and freedom of expression for employees.
- Watch Parliament TV: Freedom of Expression
- Inquiry: Freedom of Expression
- Joint Committee on Human Rights
Witnesses
Wednesday 9 December, virtual meeting
At 2.30pm
- Alan Rusbridger, former editor of the Guardian (1995 – 2015), Chair of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Principal of Lady Margaret Hall Oxford
- Ruth Smeeth, CEO Index on Censorship
- Jim Killock, CEO, Open Rights Group
Specifically, the Committee will be asking about:
- Whether freedom of expression is under threat – and if it is, whose freedom of expression is under threat;
- Diversity of opinion in the public sphere;
- The role of social media platforms in guaranteeing freedom of expression and protecting people from abuse;
- Freedom of expression and academic freedom at universities;
- Hate speech law; and
- Employment and freedom of expression.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright