Stronger action to tackle rising hate speech

Free speech underpins London’s democracy, but rising hate speech, threats and disinformation are leaving many Londoners—and elected representatives—feeling unsafe. Reports of hate crimes have increased, alongside growing intimidation of Assembly Members and the Mayor, and the spread of fake news that is distorting public debate.

The London Assembly today called on Members to champion free speech through respectful, robust debate; on the Mayor to continue inclusive campaigns such as LondonIsOpen and loved and wanted; and on the Met Police to focus on tackling hate crimes.

Léonie Cooper AM, who proposed the motion, said:

"Democracy can only thrive when free speech is protected and hate is challenged.

“Londoners deserve to feel safe expressing their views, and elected representatives must be able to do their jobs without intimidation.

“By standing firmly against hate speech and disinformation, we are defending open debate and safeguarding the values that hold our city together."

The full text of the motion is:

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.

The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

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