5 d. ago What Is Free Speech? by Fara Dabhoiwala review – a brilliant history of a weaponised mantra

This fascinating book questions whether such a misunderstood ideal should be lauded as an end in itselfThis book arrives at an interesting moment. Elon Musk has declared himself a “free speech absolutist”. JD Vance worries that free speech in Europe is “in retreat”. Donald Trump issues an executive order “restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship”. Meanwhile, journalists are routinely abused, threatened with lawsuits and branded enemies of the people. US federal agencies circulate lists of red-flag words such as “equality”, “gender” and “disabled”, and reporters are denied White House access for referring to the Gulf of Mexico by its actual name. Free speech is, shall we say, an elastic concept.In fact, as Fara Dabhoiwala explains in this meticulous and much-needed history, it has long been a “weaponized mantra” in a public sphere dominated by the moneyed and the powerful. Many of those who think of free speech as being uniquely under threat today are rich, white men...

Events

5 d. ago Spring statement: Should a Labour government be making these cuts? – Politics Weekly UK

Amid poor economic growth forecasts and global instability, Rachel Reeves is trying to balance the books by cutting spending on benefits. So why is a Labour government choosing this path? John Harris is joined by the Guardian’s political editor, Pippa Crerar, and political correspondent Kiran Stacey to unpick what was in the spring statement, and what it will mean for you Continue reading...

Politics

5 d. ago Government choosing weapons over public services – Michelle O’Neill

Northern Ireland’s First Minister said Chancellor Rachel Reeves had adopted a ‘turbo-charged Tory approach’ in her spring statement.

Politics

1 week ago The Guardian view on Israel breaking the ceasefire: destroying hope along with lives | Editorial

Benjamin Netanyahu is kept in place by an endless war, at a terrible cost to Palestinians and hostagesIn shattering the two-month ceasefire that had brought a fragile peace and relief to Gaza, Israel has also smashed the faint hopes that a resolution might just remain within reach. This was one of the deadliest days since the early months of the conflict, sparked by the lethal Hamas raid of 7 October 2023. Israel says it was attacking “terror targets”, but health authorities in Gaza say that 174 children and 89 women were among the more than 400 dead. Evacuation orders issued by the military suggest that a renewed ground offensive may be on its way for traumatised and repeatedly displaced Palestinians. Families of the remaining Israeli hostages are terrified and angry too, attacking the government for choosing to give up on them.Horror is piling upon horror. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since the war began, and the numbers grew even during the ceasefire, many d...

Politics

2 w. ago Embarrassed judge APOLOGISES to machete suspect as he admits court logjam will delay his hearing for three years

Shah Jaman, 31, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on Wednesday at a pre-trial hearing charged with affray and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.

Events

2 w. ago I was in a row over a bus gate online...days later a police officer showed up at my house. Why aren't they using resources to fight real crime?

A road scheme campaigner has accused police of allowing public debate to be 'weaponised' after an officer was sent to his home to grill him about an online spat with a rival activist.

Events

2 w. ago Bomb experts rush to beach to deal with suspected unexploded weapon... only to find it is an upturned saucepan

Bomb experts were deployed to a Dorset beach on Monday morning after the discovery by a concerned member of the public of what was presumed to be an unexploded weapon.

Events

3 w. ago Republicans want corporate oligarchy. We need economic democracy | Rashida Tlaib and Michael A McCarthy

The GOP budget seeks vast cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and more. Instead, let’s build an economy for everyoneAmerican families are exhausted. They deserve a government that chooses them over billionaire donors. The Republican budget plan that passed the House last week calls for $4.5tn in tax giveaways for the ultra-rich and corporations. It will be paid for with enormous cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and other federal programs that serve our families and the working class. These are the folks Elon Musk refers to as the “parasite class”.The agenda of the billionaire president and the richest man in the world is crystal clear: making the rich richer while working families struggle. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago JD Vance claims he was not referring to Britain or France in jibe about European troops – UK politics live

US vice president says he ‘didn’t even mention’ UK or France in jab about ‘20,000 troops from random country’ protecting UkraineMichelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s first minister, has described a decision to build thousands of lightweight missiles for Ukraine in a Belfast factory as “incredulous”.The Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland, who is also boycotting the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the White House, said the money should be invested in infrastructure and peace.I find it really incredulous that at a time when public services are being cut left, right and centre.At a time when we have endured 14 years of austerity ... I think at a time like that, rather than buying weapons of war, I would rather see the money invested in public services. Continue reading...

Politics

4 w. ago Tories accuse Vance of being ‘deeply disrespectful’ to Britain and France with jibe about European troops – UK politics live

James Cartlidge, shadow defence secretary, says US vice president has ‘ignored service and sacrifice’ after Britain and France sent troops to AfghanistanMichelle O’Neill, Northern Ireland’s first minister, has described a decision to build thousands of lightweight missiles for Ukraine in a Belfast factory as “incredulous”.The Sinn Féin leader in Northern Ireland, who is also boycotting the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in the White House, said the money should be invested in infrastructure and peace.I find it really incredulous that at a time when public services are being cut left, right and centre.At a time when we have endured 14 years of austerity ... I think at a time like that, rather than buying weapons of war, I would rather see the money invested in public services. Continue reading...

Politics