Wolverhampton's Labour MPs attempt to curb free speech

10.29.27am GMT Wed 1st Feb 2006

Lib Dems stand up for freedom of expression

Measures that would curb free speech and even outlaw religious jokes were defeated on Tuesday (31 Jan) in Parliament. 27 Labour MPs joined the Lib Dems to protect British liberties. Sadly not one of Wolverhampton's three Labour MPs was among them. Instead they joined the likes of George Galloway in an attempt to outlaw criticisms of beliefs.

Liberal Democrat MP Evan Harris said: "The government just failed to understand that they can't take liberties with freedom of expression." Shami Chakrabarti, of human rights group Liberty, said her organisation "takes great heart as Parliament stands up for our rights and freedoms once more".

In the first vote, 27 Labour backbenchers rebelled and more than 40 others did not bother to vote and that includes the Prime Minster.