Written Question·Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government·UIN 97527

Local Government: Freedom of Association and Freedom of Expression

Tabled: 5 December 2025
Answered: 16 December 2025

Question

Kevin Hollinrake

ConservativeThirsk and Malton

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to issue guidance to councils on protecting political free speech and freedom of association.

Answer

Alison McGovern
Local authorities are independent of central government. They must uphold their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 to ensure their actions are compatible with rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association. The Equality and Human Righ...

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