Journalist Toby Young has launched the Free Speech Union, a new organisation aimed at defending individuals who face backlash on social media for expressing controversial opinions. The union will provide support to members who become targets of 'Twitter storms' and other forms of online harassment.
Writing in the Mail on Sunday, Young described the union as a 'non-partisan, mass-membership organisation' that will fight for the right to tell the truth in all circumstances. The initiative comes amid growing concerns over police investigations into 'non-crime hate incidents' triggered by outspoken comments.
The union plans to counter complaints made to employers, respond to online bullies, and launch counter-petitions against those calling for sackings. Young stated, 'The enemies of free speech hunt in packs; its defenders must band together too.'
Tory MPs Andrew Rosindell and Philip Davies have voiced their support. Rosindell noted that freedom of expression has been gradually eroded, while Davies said that 'decent people are petrified' of causing offence due to the 'politically correct brigade'.
