MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the risk of further restrictions on freedom of expression in the United Kingdom
4.9.2024
Tomasz Froelich
B10‑0014/2024
Motion for a European Parliament resolution on the risk of further restrictions on freedom of expression in the United Kingdom
The European Parliament,
– having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,
– having regard to Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,
A. whereas as a result of the demonstrations and riots following the murder of three girls in the English town of Southport on 29 July 2024, more than 200 people have already been convicted of violent disorder, mostly to prison sentences of an average duration of two years; whereas at least 145 youths have been arrested; whereas 58 youths have been charged with criminal offences, including an 11-year-old boy;
B. whereas, according to various civil rights organisations, the Online Safety Act 2023 endangers privacy and restricts freedom of expression;
1. Deplores the fact that the British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, is focussing exclusively on anarcho-tyranny through police and judicial crackdowns instead of working out solutions to the root causes of the unrest – economic, social and cultural dislocation owing to mass migration;
2. Notes with concern that, in the United Kingdom, dissent is being labelled as ‘hate speech’ in an attempt to criminalise it;
3. Notes with concern that Labour politicians and representatives of certain non-governmental organisations are taking advantage of the demonstrations to push for a tightening of the Online Safety Act 2023.