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That’s Debatable!

That’s Debatable!

Written by: The Free Speech Union
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About this listen

 Welcome to ‘That’s Debatable!’, the weekly podcast of the Free Speech Union. Hosts Connie Shaw and Jan Macvarish – both staffers at the FSU – talk about the free speech controversies that have erupted in the past week. Edited by Jason Clift. Please like, subscribe and share. Thank you.Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Toby Young: The unintended consequences for free speech if Peter Mandelson’s title is stripped

    Toby Young: The unintended consequences for free speech if Peter Mandelson’s title is stripped
    Feb 11 2026

    The Peter Mandelson scandal is unfolding, and the Labour government are drafting legislation to grant themselves the power to strip Lord Mandelson of his title. Seems justifiable.

    But could this have huge unintended consequences for all members of the House of Lords?

    Founder and General Secretary of the Free Speech Union, and Conservative Peer, Toby Young thinks so.

    #mandelson #labour #cancelculture

    Follow Toby Young: https://x.com/toadmeister

    Join the Free Speech Union: https://freespeechunion.org/

    Follow the Free Speech Union:

    • https://x.com/SpeechUnion
    • https://www.instagram.com/freespeechunion/
    • https://www.facebook.com/SpeechUnion
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    39 mins
  • Why an ‘Islamophobia’ definition will censor the truth about grooming gangs — Charlie Peters

    Why an ‘Islamophobia’ definition will censor the truth about grooming gangs — Charlie Peters
    Jan 26 2026
    Charlie Peters is GB News’ National Reporter and an investigative journalist. He has extensively covered the grooming gangs scandal in the face of accusations of Islamophobia and racism. In this episode we discussed why the proposed ‘Islamophobia’ definition is dangerous for crucial work such as Charlie’s. Join the Free Speech Union: https://freespeechunion.org/ Follow Charlie: https://x.com/CDP1882 Charlie’s groundbreaking documentary for GB News: https://youtu.be/VAGk2mvgBEk?si=kY9hv5qmFuHN8unM Follow the Free Speech Union X/Twitter: x.com/SpeechUnion Instagram: www.instagram.com/freespeechunion Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpeechUnion
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    42 mins
  • Vibe-shift: it’s the twilight years for politics as we knew it

    Vibe-shift: it’s the twilight years for politics as we knew it
    Jan 20 2026
    This week, Jan Macvarish speaks to Brendan O’Neill about the regulation of Grok, how bad things were on Twitter before the Musk era and whether we can rely on billionaires to provide us with free speech. They then move on to discuss the inspiring struggle for freedom in Iran and whether Brits who support freedom and democracy would be prepared to take to the streets in a similar manner. Many political protests in the UK today seem to be favouring backwards foreign tyrannies or undermining the UK’s civic norms. What’s the correct perspective on the threat of authoritarianism in the UK under Keir Starmer? How do we defend our freedoms without sliding into doomerism? And finally, are younger people defying woke? FSU members can register for the exclusive Webinar with Q and A, 'The Struggle for Freedom in Iran’, taking place on Wednesday 21st January, by clicking on the link in last Friday’s newsletter and watching out for emails from FSU Events. All are welcome at the in-person London event 'In Defence of Trial by Jury' on Thursday 29th January. Click on this link to get tickets. Spiked Supporters should check their emails for details of a special discount code. And viewers and listeners in Scotland should come to the Free Speech Union’s Glasgow Roadshow on Friday 13th February. Tickets can be purchased here.
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    46 mins
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