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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Free Speech Union
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250618T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250618T200000
DTSTAMP:20250624T083734
CREATED:20250514T161514Z
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SUMMARY:DEBATING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND HUMAN RIGHTS
DESCRIPTION:FREE SPEECH UNION SCOTLAND: DUNDEE\nDEBATING FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND HUMAN RIGHTS \nWednesday 18th June\, 2025  \n6.30pm\, doors open 6pm  \nVENUE: University of Dundee\, Perth Road\, Dundee. Room location will be provided after booking.  \nREGISTRATION HERE: ENTRY IS FREE BUT PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. ON REGISTRATION\, YOU WILL BE INVITED TO MAKE A DONATION TO COVER SPEAKER EXPENSES.  \nJoin us for an essential and timely conversation about Freedom of Speech and Human Rights.   \nThe concept of Human Rights is a hotly contested area of political debate—perhaps never more so than now in Scotland. Scotland’s political and civic divisions are replicated in every jurisdiction across the western hemisphere. Free speech is under threat in a culture which prioritises the claims of those deemed at risk from offence or ‘hate’ speech. So how can rights be balanced in Scottish society?  \n In 2026 Scotland goes to the polls to elect a new Scottish Government. The campaign brings with it a certainty that the balance between government oversight and individual freedoms will be argued over throughout. On the one hand we have the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government 2025-26\, a manifesto with big government at its heart\, on the other we have populist political forces surging through the mainstream ranks and demanding attention. Have the public been ignored by those they usually elect? How has human rights law\, borne out of a desire for European peace after WWII\, developed and been used? Are we as individuals entitled to ‘rights’? Where does the balance sit between fairness\, equality and respect in a society where people feel unheard by government? What do populist forces mean for Scotland in the future?  \n Our panel brings together FSU’s founder Toby Young\, Dundee law professor Dr Claire Methven O’Brien\, former SNP MP Joanna Cherry KC\, and human rights academics Dr David McGrogan of Northumbria University and Professor James Allan from the University of Queensland\, Australia.   \n This is a discussion not to be missed and the FSU looks forward to welcoming you along to our first event in Dundee. \nAfterwards\, we’ll be heading to a nearby pub for drinks and further conversation. \nSPEAKERS  \n Dr Claire Methven O’Brien is a life-long human rights advocate\, researcher and practitioner. She is Reader in Law at the University of Dundee’s School of Law and a member of the Scottish Human Rights Commission.   \n Joanna Cherry KC was the MP for Edinburgh South West from 2015 to 2024. Laterally she chaired Parliament’s Joint Committee on Human Rights. She has now returned to her practice at the Scottish bar and is a trustee of the LGB Alliance and a member of the advisory panel to the Free Speech Union in Scotland.   \n Dr David McGrogan David McGrogan is Associate Professor of Law at Northumbria Law School. His research looks critically at international human rights law\, with particular reference to how it serves to buttress the power of the state.  \nProfessor James Allan is Garrick Professor of Law at The University of Queensland\, with special interest in legal and moral philosophy\, constitutional law and bills of rights. He has previously taught in New Zealand\, the USA and Hong Kong\, but was born in Canada and practised law in Toronto and in London. His latest book is ‘The Age of Foolishness: A Doubter’s Guide to Constitutionalism in a Modern Democracy’ and he also writes for The Australian\, The Spectator Australia\, Quadrant and the Daily Sceptic.  \n Chair: Toby Young (Lord Young of Acton) \nToby Young is a British journalist and campaigner. He is the founder and general secretary of the Free Speech Union\, an associate editor of The Spectator and the editor-in-chief of the Daily Sceptic. He was made a life peer in 2024. 
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/dundee-speakeasy-debating-freedom-of-speech-and-human-rights/
LOCATION:University of Dundee\, Perth Road\, Dundee\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Public Debates,Regional Speakeasies
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250714T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250714T214500
DTSTAMP:20250624T083734
CREATED:20250616T164431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250616T165440Z
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SUMMARY:TRADE UNIONS TODAY: PROTECTING WORKERS' RIGHTS OR POLICING WORKERS' SPEECH?
DESCRIPTION:TRADE UNIONS TODAY: PROTECTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS OR POLICING WORKERS’ SPEECH? \nJoin us in London and online on Monday 14th July for the launch of a powerful new briefing from the Free Speech Union.  \nHistorically\, trade unions championed free expression as a pillar of workplace democracy – not just in principle\, but as a practical safeguard\, essential to protecting workers who spoke out against injustice\, poor conditions or unfair treatment.  \nBut in recent decades\, their character has changed. As Britain’s economy shifted from manufacturing to services\, and as university-educated professionals – particularly in the public sector – came to dominate membership\, many of these organisations began to absorb the values of that class. Influenced by campus-derived ideologies that prioritise psychological ‘safety’ over intellectual risk\, they increasingly focus on enforcing progressive orthodoxy rather than defending members’ rights.  \nThe report lays bare the consequences\, detailing how internal speech codes\, disciplinary procedures\, and public shaming tactics are now routinely used to silence dissent. From whistleblowers to teachers\, firefighters to academics\, it reveals how dues-paying members are being punished or ostracised under the guise of inclusivity and harm prevention.  \nTo address this crisis\, the report calls for reform of the Employment Relations Act 1999\, proposing that workers be allowed to choose any suitable person to accompany them in disciplinary hearings\, rather than being limited to a union official or colleague. This would empower employees to seek support from expert advocacy groups like the FSU and ensure that all workers\, regardless of their views\, can access meaningful representation.  \nSpeakers include Conservative peer and FSU founder Lord Young of Acton and the report’s author\, FSU Research Director Dr Frederick Attenborough.  \n  \nDate: Monday 14th July \nTime: 7.30pm to 9pm\, with social to follow. Doors open 7pm. \nLocation: St Bride Foundation\, 14 Bride Lane\, London EC4Y 8EQ. Nearest stations: City Thameslink (4 minute walk)\, Blackfriars (8 minute walk)\, Farringdon (12 minute walk)\, St Paul’s (10 minute walk). \nIN-PERSON TICKETS: FSU Members £10 / Non-members £15 / Age 25s and under £12.  \nONLINE REGISTRATION: Free to FSU members using the link provided in the weekly newsletter. \nJoin the FSU today for free speech support and discounted tickets to all events\, membership from as little as £2.49 per month.  \nThe Free Speech Union is a non-partisan\, mass membership public interest body that stands up for the speech rights of its members. Find out more.  \n ABOUT THE SPEAKERS \nToby Young (Lord Young of Acton) is a British journalist and campaigner. He is the founder and general secretary of the Free Speech Union\, an associate editor of The Spectator and the editor-in-chief of the Daily Sceptic. He was made a life peer in 2024.  \n Dr Frederick Attenborough is Director of Research at the Free Speech Union. A former senior lecturer in sociology\, he writes regularly on free speech issues for The Critic\, Spiked\, The European Conservative\, and other national and international publications.  \n 
URL:https://freespeechunion.org/event/trade-unions-today-protecting-workers-rights-or-policing-workers-speech/
LOCATION:St Bride Foundation\, 14 Bride Lane\, London\, London\, EC4Y 8EQ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Book Launches & Promotions,Online Event,Public Debates
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