Free speech fighter

SIR – The Government is soon to appoint a Free Speech Champion to safeguard this crucial human right.

At a time when free speech is under more attack than ever, it is necessary to choose a candidate who understands the nuances of this debate from the perspective of ordinary Britons outside the London bubble. This is why we are nominating Calvin Robinson.

A former assistant principal and school governor, Mr Robinson has spent his career campaigning for free speech against the group-think that pervades our education system. He has borne the brunt of horrendous online abuse from “progressives” as a result.

He was a founding member of Don’t Divide Us, set up to take a stand against the divisive obsession with people’s racial identity, and to provide positive alternatives, choosing to see people as individuals instead of homogenised groups. He is a consultant to the Department of Education, a senior fellow of Policy Exchange and a campaigner for Defund the BBC.

Mr Robinson is committed to supporting open-minded, fact-based investigation into the roots of many social problems, but rejects simplistic explanations that reduce all injustices to our immutable characteristics.

It would be refreshing if the Government avoided the usual suspects and appointed a young Free Speech Champion – one who believes in free speech (without apology), is not intimidated by the bullying tactics of identity-politics activists, and is not part of the higher-education establishment, which is so in thrall to a variety of lobbying organisations.

Mr Robinson is down to earth and understands the challenges people are facing in Britain. He is a passionate advocate of freedom of speech and has bravely spoken out in the face of racial abuse. We know he’d champion those values if he was given a platform to do so. Appointing him would show that the Government means business.

Ben Bradley MP (Con) Jonathan Gullis MP (Con) Darren Henry MP (Con) Sammy Wilson MP (DUP)