Freedom of Speech? Meet the British Border

Lauren Southern’s unjust arrest is a threat to freedom of speech and philosophy. This is an example of how the UK Border Force’s efforts to keep citizens safe are misguided.

Following Brexit, the United Kingdom is meant to be marketing itself as a country that is open to the world. Not one that is closing itself off in moody isolation; not one that is fulfilling the stereotype of Little England. Following the events of earlier this week, the government couldn’t have done better if they’d tried to bring this about on purpose.

YouTube personality Lauren Southern was prevented from entering the UK through Calais and detained under Schedule 7 of the UK Terrorism Act 2000. Southern’s case represents a major threat to freedom of conscience and expression. This event risks handing the more radical right the rhetorical weapons of persecuted martyrdom that will garner them sympathy and potential supporters. I don’t agree with quite a lot of what Lauren Southern has to say, but that doesn’t mean I can’t defend her on principle–the principle of freedom of speech being the most important of all.

Lauren Southern is a right-winger. She has previously identified as a libertarian, but now identifies with a more populist-nationalist direction. She has never, to my knowledge, advocated violence against others or condoned it. She has arguably blurred the line between journalism and activism; she was on a ship that tried to deny entry to Europe to a refugee rescue craft in the Mediterranean last year. If this had been the reason given for detaining her under Schedule 7 that would make it a different debate. This was not the reason given. Instead, what we are looking at is a case of discrimination based on political views held and beliefs spoken. If this was more evenly applied it might be more understandable, but as we shall see, it is not.