British councils crack down on soapbox campaigning in 'free speech attack'

These measures represent a significant departure from Britain's democratic traditions of free public discourse. Councils now routinely police both the causes permitted in public spaces and the content of campaign materials.

Some authorities have gone so far as to prohibit political activities entirely, marking an extraordinary erosion of fundamental democratic rights.

The research reveals a stark picture of democratic restriction across the nation. Among the councils surveyed, a mere 19 authorities, including Birmingham, Sheffield and Uttlesford, allow campaigning without impediment.

Approximately 148 councils indicated that establishing a campaign stall was permissible, though many impose conditions. A further 30 authorities suggested permission was "possibly" or "potentially" available, subject to individual assessment.

Most troubling, 62 councils completely prohibit the establishment of street stalls for campaigning purposes.

The remaining authorities either failed to respond or claimed they lacked the relevant information.

Labour-controlled Stoke-on-Trent requires advance inspection of leaflets to prevent material with a "negative agenda" or content deemed "offensive/slanderous".

Arun District Council's booking regulations exclude events that "conflict with or seek to undermine decisions or policy democratically taken by us".

Liberal Democrat-led Woking reserves authority to deny organisations whose views "would lead to potential public order issues or widespread offence". Watford prohibits "activities to cause offence to any person".

Financial barriers compound these restrictions. Labour-controlled Luton imposes charges of £415-£515 daily, whilst Bristol demands £375 per day for public space usage.

Several authorities explicitly prohibit political campaigning. Neath Port Talbot permits "charity, community and council-supported events" but excludes "extreme political parties". Conservative-controlled Slough forbids political stalls whilst deeming staff strike action "acceptable".

Josie Appleton, the Manifesto Club's director, condemned the restrictions: "The public square used to be a democratic space, where people could pitch up and ply their cause to fellow citizens.

Now access to public spaces is tightly controlled, and councils are increasingly deciding which political causes we see and hear."

She highlighted the exemplary approach of the 19 unrestricted councils: "We call on other councils to follow their lead."

The organisation demands government intervention to safeguard democratic traditions.

"We also call on the Government to draft guidance for councils, to encourage a more liberal approach and to recognise the key role of local campaigning in democratic life," Ms Appleton stated.

An Arun District Council spokesman said the authority "is committed to upholding freedom of speech while ensuring that public spaces remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all".

A Harborough District Council spokesman said: “Anyone who wishes to apply for a stall on council-owned land or markets, including traders at artisan or farmers’ markets, is required to complete relevant sections of the council’s application form.”

A spokesman for Luton Council said it fully respected and welcomed peaceful demonstrations "which play an important role in a healthy democracy".

"We fully reject any assertion that we are restricting free speech or political street stall campaigners," the spokesman added.

A Neath Port Talbot Council spokesman said the authority considered each request "to use public space in its ownership on its own merits".

"Taking into account factors such as public safety, space availability, and the nature of the proposed activity," the spokesman added.

A Woking Borough Council spokesman said it encouraged the use of the public realm by groups which support the diversity of "our borough but retain the right to refuse permission to organisations whose views or activities would lead to potential public order issues or widespread offence".