That’s Debatable!
Welcome to ‘That’s Debatable!’, the weekly podcast of the Free Speech Union. Hosts Tom Harris and Jan Macvarish – both staffers at the FSU – talk about the free speech controversies that have erupted in the past week and interview some of the main protagonists in those dramas. Edited by Jason Clift. Please like, subscribe and share. Thank you.
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Episodes
Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
This week’s episode was recorded in the midst of the media storm around the allegedly heavy-handed policing of King Charles III’s coronation, and so we took the opportunity to speak with Tim Cruddas who is both an experienced police officer and a member of the FSU staff. Tim always makes us think about what it’s really like on the front line of policing and provides some very necessary balance to our debates around policing and free speech. Today’s ‘plodcast’ ranges from the inescapable tension between the right to protest and the right to freedom of expression, the practicalities of policing large public events, through to a historical perspective on successful (and some less successful) protests. We also touch on why it’s so important to get to your local pharmacy before the Prince & Princess of Wales trigger a pesky road closure.
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
This week we celebrate the FSU’s first use of the Mactaggart Programme to support Bristol University’s “Women Talk Back” event. We then discuss the quite overwhelming number of transgender related cancellations that have taken place over the last seven days, from outrage at Professor Stock in Oxford to a rather predictable reaction from the Irish Eurovision band ‘Wild Youth’. There is victory for Christian employee, Maureen Martin, as her tribunal outcome brings some balance to the tension between two sets of protected characteristics: sexual orientation and religious belief. Finally, we dive into the FSU’s ‘naughty lists’, highlighting the UK institutions that appear most frequently in our case data.
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Tuesday Apr 25, 2023
Hello Possums! We start our episode with a fond farewell to the unmatched Dame Edna, before exploring more deeply the impact of the relentless relabelling of our cultural landmarks, from the Brecon Beacons in Wales to Respect Way in Birmingham. We seriously propose the idea that DEI officers are sorely underpaid, before pondering the frightening effects of Confucius Institutes in UK universities. There’s some encouraging PayPal news from the US, where the SEC appears to have sided with free speech loving shareholders. But today’s over-arching theme is Solzhenitsyn’s instruction from 1974: those who cherish freedom must “live not by lies”.
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Monday Apr 17, 2023
Our weekly dive into the free speech world. We hike through the mountain range formerly known as Brecon Beacons (no BBQ allowed), stop off in Northern Ireland to bemoan proposed hate speech legislation, before ending at the pub where large numbers of Essex police like to come and arrest toy dolls. Our big positive news is the halting of the Worker Protection Bill, though naturally disappointing for any among us keen to join the thought police. And, finally, might Shakespeare hold the key to everything?
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Hold on to your Easter bonnets! In this week's episode we cover everything from egg hunts and Fawlty Towers, to The Death of Stalin and the Canadian Government's response to anyone supporting the truckers' "Freedom convoy".
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
Tuesday Apr 04, 2023
In this week's episode, Tom and Ben chat discuss April Fools' Day, The Workers' Protection Bill, Dangerous data, Students turning into snowflakes and our upcoming blasphemy event.
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
In this week's episode we discuss the furore surrounding Posie Parker's visit to New Zealand, Agatha Christie, the cancellation of Baroness Claire Fox, centralised banking and the dangers TikTok poses to the future of literacy. Whether you're a casual listener or a passionate advocate, you won't want to miss this episode of That's Debatable!
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
In this week’s episode, we explore a variety of hot topics, from our latest police report to Oxfam's 92 page inclusivity guide, our plans for the podcast and how we're turning the tide in the fight for free speech. Join us as we delve into the origins of the term 'Woke' and revisit the topic of eBooks. We'll also explore the challenges of dealing with misinformation and disinformation, and the potential impact of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill. So, sit back, relax, and embrace your inner alpaca as we tackle these important issues and stimulate some healthy debate. Tune in to "That's Debatable" and join the conversation on the future of free speech.
Friday Mar 17, 2023