Free speech upheld in ‘Muslim area’

Lydia Houghton  |  UK & Ireland
Date posted:  27 Mar 2026
Share Add       
Free speech upheld  in ‘Muslim area’

A police officer defended a Christian preacher’s right to free speech in Whitechapel, East London, amid verbal protests and being told that the area is “Muslim”.

In video footage, the female officer can be heard saying, surrounded by a group: “In this country, we have freedom of speech, the same way you guys have your freedom of speech.” A male member of the group responds, and uses the phrase: “This is a Muslim area.”

“I understand you guys don’t want to hear it. I would recommend you just move away and don’t listen to him,” the officer later says. “You guys don’t need to see eye-to-eye, you don’t need to agree, and you’re all more than welcome to stand here and have conversations with them, but they’re not being aggressive.”

Share
< Previous article| UK & Ireland| Next article >
Read more articles by Lydia Houghton >>
UK & Ireland
Social media ban  no ‘silver bullet’

Social media ban no ‘silver bullet’

The Government’s planned social media ban “is not a silver bullet”, says Mark Gilmore, policy advisor at the Evangelical Alliance. …

Features
Interview: 'I've read en for 40 years'

Interview: 'I've read en for 40 years'

At the end of a Sunday morning service at Minster Christian Centre, Cardiff – during a weekend visit to the …

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access for just £40/year

Find out more

Need to advertise?

We can help you reach Christians across the country

Find out more