Does the UK have freedom of speech like the US?
Asked by: Prof. Thaddeus Hintz DVM | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (37 votes)
No, the UK does not have the same broad, constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech as the US First Amendment; instead, the UK offers a qualified right to freedom of expression under the Human Rights Act 1998 (incorporating European Convention on Human Rights Article 10), allowing significant restrictions for things like hate speech, incitement, public order, and online safety, leading to ongoing debates about censorship and limitations compared to the US approach.
Does the UK have the same free speech laws as the US?
There is no general right to the freedom of speech in the UK; however, since 1998, limited freedom of expression is guaranteed according to Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, as applied in British law through the Human Rights Act 1998.
Does the UK have a right to free speech?
Article 10 Freedom of expression
1Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.
Does the UK ban hate speech?
While hate speech and xenophobia are not defined in UK law, forms of expression which amount to verbal abuse, harassment or incite hatred against another person or group on the basis of their race or religion have been unlawful since before the recommendation was made in September 2024.
Does England have freedom to roam?
You can access some land across England without having to use paths - this land is known as 'open access land' or 'access land'.
Does the U.K. Have a Free Speech Problem?
What is legal in the UK but illegal elsewhere?
In the UK, chewing gum is a common sight. From supermarket checkouts to corner shops, you can find a pack of gum almost anywhere. However, if you were to take that gum to Singapore, you'd be committing a crime. Since 1992, Singapore has banned the import and sale of chewing gum to maintain public cleanliness.
Can police remove trespassers in the UK?
Another example is if those persons have 6 or more vehicles on the land. In such cases the police do have powers to direct the trespassers to leave. Failure to leave when directed to do so by the police will amount to a criminal offence.
What is illegal to say in the UK?
Section 5 makes it an offence to use “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour” or to display “any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting” within the hearing or sight of a person “likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress ...
Is misgendering a crime in the UK?
Anyone who claims it is always harassment and/or that the Forstater case says this, is wrong. As with many legal questions, the answer to whether misgendering is wrong is 'it depends'. There's been no law on this subject: no statute nor development of the common law.
Is it illegal to be racist in the UK?
In the UK it is illegal to treat anyone differently because of their gender, race, religion, age, disability or sexual orientation. Racism is unacceptable in the UK. It is a serious offence to injure, harass or verbally abuse someone because of their race or to damage their property for that reason.
Is swearing free speech in the UK?
Swearing is protected under Free Speech Laws which is exactly why they are attempting to create Legislation to circumvent it.
Which countries don't have free speech?
According to Amnesty International, freedom of expression is significantly limited in China and North Korea. Freedom of speech has improved in Myanmar in recent years, but significant challenges remain.
Which country is more free, the UK or the US?
According to the Cato Institute's Human Freedom Index, the top 10 “free” countries are: Switzerland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and, tied at 9th, the Netherlands, and the UK. The United States is 17th.
What is unlawful speech in the UK?
Rather, the starting point is that speech is permitted unless it is restricted by law. Free speech includes lawful speech that may be offensive and hurtful to some. Speech that amounts to unlawful harassment or unlawful discrimination does not constitute free speech within the law and is not protected.
What is the difference between US and UK law?
In the UK, there's essentially one body of laws with some variations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In the US, there are federal laws, state laws and even local laws. Each US state has its own laws and courts, meaning that legislation can vary from place to place.
What free speech is not protected?
The following speech may not be protected: Speech that is intended and likely to provoke imminent unlawful action (“incitement”). Statements where the speaker means to communicate a serious expression of an intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals (“true threats”).
Can a man legally use a women's bathroom in the UK?
Here's the part that absolutely fries the brains of the bathroom panic brigade: there is no law in the UK that says men can't use the women's loo or that women can't use the men's.
Can I refuse to use pronouns in the UK?
As an employer, you cannot force an employee to use someone's new pronouns. However, you can expect them not to use the old pronouns. Some employers encourage their staff to share their pronouns.
What is the regret rate for transition?
Among those who underwent gonadectomy, rates of regret, as ascertain from retrospective review of documentation in medical charts, were only 0.3% for transgender men and 0.6% for transgender women, with an average time to regret of approximately 11 years.
What is the silly law in the UK?
It's an offence to beat or shake your carpet or rug in the street in London. The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 strikes again! You can shake your doormat out, but only before 8 am. It's actually illegal to be found drunk in the pub.
What is banned in the UK but not the US?
Potassium Bromate
In the 1990s, the UK banned potassium bromate after studies linked it to cancer in lab animals. The powder is used to improve texture and whiten bread, mostly in commercial bakeries. California passed a ban in 2023, but it won't kick in until 2027.
What is considered rude in Britain?
Don't talk about money. Do not violate a queue. It is considered very rude to push ahead in a line. Do not shout or be loud in public places and don't use excessive, demonstrative hand gestures when speaking.
Do you legally have to answer the door to the police in the UK?
You don't have to answer the door; the police can't force entry into your home, but they can use power of entry in cases of emergency. This is when there's an immediate risk of 'life or limb,' which means risk of death or serious injury under S. 17 of the Police And Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
Can you kick out a squatter in the UK?
You can remove squatters using an interim possession order ( IPO ) or making a claim for possession. Do not try to remove the squatters yourself using force or the threat of force - you're committing a crime if you do.
What are UK police not allowed to do?
The police can't search you. The police can't force you to stay. The police can't arrest you if you don't answer or if you walk away unless they believe you are acting antisocially. More on this is below.