A councillor has spoken with frustration over a debate about free speech in Bracknell that occurred on the day that American activist Charlie Kirk was killed.
Councillor John Harrison (Conservative, Binfield North & Warfield West) introduced a motion to Bracknell Forest Council focused on protecting free speech last week.
During the debate, more than 4,900 miles away, American conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed by being shot in the neck.
Cllr Harrison has since given his views about the failure of the motion and the death of Mr Kirk in a public statement.
He said: “The proposal was straightforward and rooted in our shared democratic values: to explicitly recognise the importance of free speech under the law in the council’s codes of conduct.
“This would help protect elected representatives from political opponents who might weaponise vaguely worded conduct rules for personal vendettas.
“It also sought to respect the personal beliefs and conscience of council employees, allowing them to opt out of politically motivated gender and climate ‘training’ that masquerades as neutral education.
“In essence, it was a call to safeguard open dialogue and individual rights in our local governance.
“Sadly, Labour Councillors, with the full backing of the other left-wing parties on the Council, swiftly rejected this motion.
“They pushed through an amendment that stripped away all meaningful actions, reducing it to a hollow gesture that changes nothing.
“We offered to withdraw the motion so we could all go away, cool off and agree a joint commitment to protecting free speech. They rejected it. They wanted a fight!
“This isn’t just disappointing – It’s revealing. Their response speaks volumes about a mindset that prioritises control over conversation.”
There was a to and fro over the motion during the debate on Wednesday, September 10, which lasted for more than an hour.
Mary Temperton (Labour, Great Hollands), the council leader, successfully introduced an amendment stating: “This council agrees that freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy, as long as it is not used to incite hatred – as is the law.”
The amendment also included a pledge to uphold the Nolan principles, which are Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, and Leadership.
This was adopted with 21 councillors for, six against and one abstention.
Cllr Harrison then gave a tribute to Charlie Kirk, which he called ‘a horrific killing’.
Mr Kirk was announced dead by President Donald Trump at around 2.40pm, with the news breaking at 9pm UK time.
Cllr Harrison said: “He was a formidable champion of free speech who made it his mission to visit college campuses and challenge students to respectful debates.
“This man embodied the very principles I was arguing for: engaging ideas with courage and civility, not coercion.
“Tragically, the left relentlessly demonised him as a fascist for believing in border control, attempting to silence his voice at every turn.”
He added that left-wing people should reject the demonisation of their political opponents.
In closing, cllr Harrison said: “In honouring Charlie Kirk’s memory, let’s recommit to defending liberty with kindness and firmness.
“Free speech isn’t a partisan luxury; it’s the foundation of a just society.
“Whether in our local councils or on global stages, we owe it to one another to protect it.”
