EDM 1224: Protection of free expression and resistance to blasphemy laws

That this House reaffirms its unwavering commitment to freedom of expression as a fundamental pillar of British democracy; notes with concern recent efforts, both formal and informal, to reintroduce blasphemy-style restrictions under the guise of hate crime, or public order; recalls that the UK formally abolished its blasphemy laws in 2008, recognising that in a free society, no religion or belief system, including Islam, should be immune from criticism, debate, satire or offence; and calls on the Government to issue clear guidance to police forces, public bodies and educational institutions that the United Kingdom upholds freedom of thought, speech, and expression, including the right to criticise, mock, or reject religious ideas, and that it will not tolerate any drift, intentional or otherwise, toward the reintroduction of blasphemy laws in any form whatsoever.