
This article from todays Times is calling for a group of Independent Charities (Universities) to offer freedom of speech and freedom of listening on their premises. This is clearly a challenge as not only may this need to apply to the Universities but other people may expect the same sort of principle from charities such as faith based venues like Churches and Synagogues and community centres and village halls. So far this sort of argument has not be made from Government but perhaps this is where Gavin is heading? However before that challenge arises what about No 10 Downing Street that denied access to certain Journalists a few days ago. Of course there is a functional difference between allowing people to listen and people to talk. However this functional difference does not matter if freedom of speech is the priority. Another issue that arises is the idea of giving the Scottish nation the freedom to vote. If Freedom of Speech is possible, then freedom to express ones view by a vote must also be possible. That does not mean that the vote will be accepted by the Government but then as we all know, our vote on 23rd June was purely advisory to our Government. I look forward to Gavins response to these issues as my speech needs to be accepted by him!