Key information
Date: Thursday 04 December 2025
Time: 10:00am
Motion detail
Léonie Cooper AM moved and Marina Ahmad AM seconded the following motion:
“This Assembly believes that free speech is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. The ability to express a range of views and engage in robust debate is essential to the health of London’s civil society, institutions and many diverse communities.
Worryingly, there has been an increase in hate speech and disinformation in recent years. Many Londoners are understandably feeling unsafe because of the unacceptable rise in hate crimes across our city. Many elected representatives across London also face unacceptable threats and intimidation when carrying out their roles – including both Assembly Members and the Mayor.
This Assembly condemns all threats and intimidation based on hatred directed toward elected representatives as attacks on our democratic processes, while supporting the need for free speech.
Similarly, the Assembly condemns the increase in disinformation and fake news which is poisoning open debate.
This Assembly agrees that supporting free speech does not mean supporting hate speech.
The Assembly calls on:
- All its members to champion free speech and engage in respectful, robust debate, while ensuring they condemn hate speech and disinformation;
- The Mayor to continue campaigns such as LondonIsOpen and loved and wanted, which aim to promote London as a city that welcomes everyone;
- The Metropolitan Police to focus on hate crimes – while we deplore hate speech, focusing on hate crimes is the role of the police.”
Following debate, and upon being put to a vote, the amended motion was agreed with 12 votes being cast in favour and 2 votes being cast against.