Right to be insulted

A campaign calling for the right to be insulted without running to the law for protection from hurt feelings is being backed by UKIP.

Local MEP Paul Nuttall, the Party's Deputy Leader, said that the Party has pledged wholehearted support for the “Reform Section 5” campaign which is calling for the repeal of Section 5 of the Public Order Act.

"The principle that freedom of speech, a basic liberty, must be defended and protected from well meaning legislation is one that UKIP has supported for years. We have had a commitment to reform Section 5 almost since we had any commitments.

"In a robust democracy people must be free to insult and be insulted. We have laws that protect against incitement to violence and hatred, that should be enough. To protect my feelings from those who wish to laugh at me or hold me in contempt is a freedom I never wanted, nor hoped for," he said

The Government launched a consultation on the Public Order Act last October, including whether the word ‘insulting’ in Section 5 strikes a good balance between freedom of expression and the right not to be harassed, alarmed or distressed. It is expected MPs will be able to vote on repealing Section 5 later this year.

"I am delighted that the campaign is gaining momentum and various bodies, including the Christian Institute, the National Secular Society and the Freedom Association and prominent individuals are standing up for the liberty of people to throw verbal brickbats around," said Mr Nuttall..