Why we must tackle ‘the chilling effect of cancel culture’, says Rishi

RISHI Sunak has launched a broadside against the ‘chilling effect’ of cancel culture on free speech and insisted it is ‘not what this country stands for’.

Warning about the dangers of ‘making people fearful’ of speaking their minds, the Prime Minister stressed last night that ‘one group’ cannot be allowed to claim that ‘their experiences are more important than others’.

His comments come after years of growing concern about how debate on controversial or sensitive issues, such as trans or race rights, has effectively been shut down, with those who don’t concur with the ‘woke’ position often facing the loss of their career.

Speaking to the Society of Editors 25th Anniversary Conference about its knockon effects on democratic society, Mr Sunak said: ‘It’s why we must tackle the chilling effect of socalled cancel culture – the shutting down of people’s views and making people fearful of speaking out.

‘Because that’s not who we are. That’s not what this country stands for. democracy depends on the ability to air our views, to challenge and interrogate people’s standpoints and to learn from different perspectives and experiences. We cannot allow one group of people to say their experiences are more important than others.’

Concerns over the damaging effects of cancel culture, notably on university campuses, have grown in recent years. In 2021, Professor Kathleen Stock was hounded out of her role at the University of Sussex because of her views on trans issues.

during his keynote speech to leading figures in the media industry, the Prime Minister pointed to the famous George Orwell quote: ‘If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.’

He added: ‘This is vital for the future of a free Press – more than that it is vital for the future of our democracy. So we will continue to stand for these principles here at home.’

Mr Sunak also said the British Press has to continue holding the Government to account, no matter how uncomfortable it might make politicians. He added: ‘When the media holds governments accountable, exposes corruption and gives new voices a platform, it strengthens democracy. It enriches society. It builds the habits of freedom.

‘It’s your job to hold us to account, and for all we might clash I know how important your role is. So please keep doing what you’re doing, constantly questioning, investigating and seeking the truth. Because as long as the British media thrives, so will British democracy.’

‘Tell people what they do not want to hear’