Take action: urge your MP to support free speech

The House of Lords recently passed an amendment to remove "insulting words" from the scope of Section 5 of the Public Order Act. Read the full story.

Despite the Government and Opposition whipping against the amendment, Peers voted for it by 150 to 54, including a majority of Peers from every party. The argument for reform is strong and the support very broad.

The Bill containing the amendment, the Crime and Courts Bill, is due in the Commons in January.

The near 100 majority chalked up in the Lords despite opposition from the Conservative and Labour frontbenches demonstrates a realistic prospect of success in the Commons, provided we keep up the momentum. That's where you come in.

We need your support to ensure that MPs retain this vital free speech measure. Please write to your MP, explaining why you think that the police should not be in the business of protecting us from feeling insulted. Please ask them to urge the Home Office to accept Clause 38 of Crime and Courts Bill.

To contact your MP you can also use our easy online form on the Reform Section 5 website.

Find out more about the campaign to Reform Section 5.