I have just posted the letter below to my local MP and also sent it by email, demanding an end to the sinister practice of using non-crime hate incident harassment to curtail free speech, recently used against the brave conservative journalist Allison Pearson of the Daily Telegraph, as reported by her colleague Allister Heath here.
Please write to your MP and demand that this attack on free speech be ended now, and ask everyone you know to do the same.
Dear Sir,
Ref: Urgent Call to End the Use of Non-Crime Hate Incidents and Protect Free Speech
I am writing to express my deep concern about the use of non-crime hate incidents (NCHIs) by law enforcement and other authorities, which I believe is intended to have an inhibiting effect on free speech in our country, a right it is incumbent upon members of parliament to protect. As a constituent, I urge you to take immediate action in Parliament to address this issue and ensure that the fundamental right to free expression is protected.
As well as stifling free speech, the recording of NCHIs can have serious consequences for individuals, including damage to their reputation, career prospects, and mental well-being. Moreover, the subjective nature of what constitutes a non-crime hate incident means that individuals may be unfairly targeted for expressing opinions that are controversial or unpopular but nonetheless lawful.
The right to free speech is a cornerstone of our democratic society, enshrined in Common Law and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. It is essential that we maintain a proper balance between preventing incitement to violence and preserving the freedom to express diverse viewpoints. The current practice of recording NCHIs tips this balance very much in favour of censorship and a police state.
I therefore request that you raise this issue in Parliament and advocate for a complete, total and immediate ban on the use of non-crime hate incidents.
Yours,