You want to get cute, Paul? You seriously want to start going on about how the Left doesn't do freedom here in the UK? OK, let's go...
Let's go back to the early 19th century. The UK Left claims the Todpuddle Martyrs as part of their 'origin story' - swearing oaths to organise as a proto-trade union. They were transported for exercising the FREEDOM to organise.
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/story
tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk/story
Another defining moment for the Left in Britain was the Peterloo Massacre where 18 were killed and hundreds injured during a rally in Manchester calling for political reforms. They were exercising their FREEDOM of association, and to protest. theguardian.com/news/2018/jan/…
In the early 20th century, the women's suffrage movement was heavily supported by the Left, with many socialist groups contributing both suffragettes and suffragists. They fought for the FREEDOM to vote & help steer their country. m.socialistparty.org.uk/articles/26828…
In the 1920s, it was the Left who laid the foundations for the Jarrow Crusade - the walk to London of Tyneside workers desperate for government assistance to restart industry. They fought for FREEDOM from hunger and poverty. bbc.co.uk/history/britis…
In the 1930s, it was the Left who successfully shut down the BUF in the form of trade unionists and activists who stood alongside the Jews of the East End, at the Battle of Cable Street, safeguarding liberty and FREEDOM from actual fascists. bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan…
In the sixties, during all the hippie nonsense, it was women walking out at a Dagenham factory, supported by the Left, who made a huge difference in the road towards equal pay and women's economic FREEDOM. theguardian.com/politics/2013/…
In the early 1970s, (the very Left-wing) fellow Australian, Richard Neville, was the defendant in the Oz obscenity trial, a landmark case that challenged the culture of censorship in the UK and opened up FREEDOM of expression. telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-m…
In the 70s and 80s, it was groups arising from the Left such as OutRage!, the GLF and Stonewall that helped normalise same sex relationships and gave Britons, over time, the FREEDOM to love who they chose. google.co.uk/amp/www.thewee…
Also throughout the 70s & 80s, Left-aligned groups such as UAF and Rock Against Racism challenged the National Front and other racist groups, as well as confronting entrenched racism within society, helping new arrivals enjoy FREEDOM from fear.
Let"s not forget the Poll Tax, that threatened many vulnerable Britons, and the (still extant) Bedroom Tax. Both were consistently challenged by the Left. That's a persistent struggle for FREEDOM from unjust taxation that forces many into poverty. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
In the 21st century, the Left has been at the forefront against legislation that would infringe upon the human rights, or FREEDOMS of British citizens, such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2005. hrw.org/news/2005/03/1…
Actually, you know what, Paul, I don't see any freedom of speech demos in there, at least not explicitly...
But maybe because it's been the Left who've been fighting for freedom here in the UK for the better part of 200 years!
But maybe because it's been the Left who've been fighting for freedom here in the UK for the better part of 200 years!
You reactionary, right-wing LARPers are a bunch of tiresome also-rans when it comes to fighting for greater freedoms. You're the dickheads who crash the party, finish all the beer then start playing the guitar, badly.
So, with all due respect, @prisonplanet, you can fuck right off and keep on fucking off until an unspecified date, TBA. Thanks.
