Voters care about free speech, poll finds

A latest poll has found that almost all voters support free speech and the liberty to disagree.

Just days before the UK goes to the polls in the final election, a survey by CARE has found that three quarters of the population (77%) consider that “politicians should have the ability to talk their minds and freely debate difficult issues”.

The survey was carried out by Savanta on behalf of the Christian charity and polled the views of two,054 UK adults. 

Commenting on the findings, CARE CEO Ross Hendry called on politicians to work to guard free speech and debate in the subsequent parliament.

“Difference and disagreement are part and parcel of politics. It’s essential for politicians to robustly debate different issues to make sure good, democratic outcomes,” he said.

“Yet, it does seem harder for people to disagree agreeably than in years passed by. Party leaders and others must seek to revive civility, decency, and good debate to our political discourse.

“We wish to see free and fair debate, where people’s views on a complete range of essential topics are expressed with humility and respect, and where a plurality of views are allowed.

“At CARE, we consider that free speech, tempered by civility and mutual respect, is a robust force for good. We’d urge all politicians to commit to this in the subsequent parliament.”

Voters across the UK will solid their votes on 4 July. Latest polling shows Labour continuing to keep up a big lead over the Tories, but 1000’s fear they’ll not have the ability to vote after reports of delays to postal balots. 

According to recent evaluation within the Financial Times, Labour could win a record 450 seats.