I spoke in the debate on the Protection of Freedoms Bill.

I am supporting a campaign by Liberty to amend section five of the Public Order Act to remove the ban against “insulting” as opposed to “threatening” or “abusive” speech, which is having such a chilling and deadening effect against free speech, public demonstrations, and street preachers.

Actually I don’t think we should use “insulting” language. Nobody does. But the problem is my “strong point” is your “insult”.

If there had been a modern Mr. Plod in the Temple when Jesus shoved away the money-changers, He certainly would have been arrested under section 5 of the Public Order Act.