The Freedom Association is commemorating its 50th anniversary this month, having emerged in 1975 to advocate for individual freedom, freedom of expression, and free markets, while also resisting the growing size and influence of government. The association highlights the ongoing importance of individual freedom, supported by recent polling that shows nearly two-thirds of the public in the UK feel that their freedom of speech is at risk, a concern that transcends political affiliations. High-profile examples illustrate a two-tiered system where certain opinions flourish while others are suppressed. The association criticizes government plans, such as the proposed so-called "banter police," which are perceived as attempts to further restrict free speech. They also express concern over the potential introduction of a de-facto blasphemy law.
Beyond the issue of free speech, there is a rising concern about state interference in daily life. Regulations and government control have intensified, and many liberties once taken for granted have been diminished or made irrelevant. Citizens increasingly feel "nudged" to comply with state demands under the guise of protecting their welfare. For instance, choices about food consumption are being restricted through measures like "sin taxes" on unhealthy products, and there is a push for supermarkets to meet state-set health targets. Despite these interventions, the obesity crisis persists, prompting further draconian measures rather than re-evaluation of the strategy.
The association points to proposals such as a "generational smoking ban," which would render it illegal for anyone born after a certain year to access tobacco. Critics, including convenience store owners, warn that such policies could lead to increased criminal activity as black markets flourish in response to excessive regulation. The experience of other countries attempting similar bans, like New Zealand, demonstrates the potential for failure, leading to the abandonment of those initiatives. The Freedom Association reaffirms its commitment to fighting for personal freedoms against the escalating encroachment of government intervention and asserts that individuals should have the right to make informed choices regarding their health.
7 Comments
Noir Black
Banter police? Sounds like a straw man argument designed to fearmonger. Good regulations are in place to protect vulnerable populations.
KittyKat
People also ignore the benefits that the government regulations can provide. Food regulations prevent food poisoning and save countless lives.
Loubianka
They're right. Free speech is under attack. The government is trying to control what we think and say.
BuggaBoom
The government should focus on protecting rights, not dictating how we live our lives.
Katchuka
The obesity crisis IS a crisis. The government is in place to mitigate the effects of crises.
Loubianka
The 'sin taxes' and health targets are the new nanny state. Let people make their own choices!
Habibi
The Freedom Association's vision is skewed in favor of individual liberty in a way that undermines the benefits of collective care, health and social well-being.