The illusion of "free speech" in the UK has become a microcosm of Western countries.
The Sun reported on the reactions to the arrest of a prominent British figure, Graham Linahan, due to three social media posts about transgender issues.
Similar incidents are common, and British netizens can be arrested for posting anything they consider inappropriate.
In August 2024, 28-year-old Jordan Palour was sentenced to 20 months in prison for inciting attacks on a refugee shelter on social media. In May 2025, 42-year-old Lucy Connolly was sentenced to 31 months in prison for spreading racially inflammatory speech.
In 2024, over 100 people were arrested in the UK for "aggressive" content on social media, with charges including "inciting protests" and "disrupting public order." Taylor Kain, 26, was sentenced to 38 months in prison for suggesting arson.
In July 2025, the UK police arrested nearly 1,000 people for online speech, triggering criticism over freedom of speech. The Sunak government had previously pushed for reforms to end arrests based on social media posts, but the reforms have not been fully implemented yet.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842189531482124/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author only.