On Wednesday 3rd December, the Prosperity Institute hosted a panel discussion featuring Zia Yusuf, Head of Policy at Reform UK; Lord Young of Acton, founder of the Free Speech Union; Andreas Hellman from Americans for Tax Reform; and, as a special closing speaker, Sarah Rogers, Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy at the US Department of State.
The event opened with remarks from Fred de Fossard, Director of Strategy at Prosperity Institute and Christopher Butler, Director of the Tholos Foundation, which partners with Americans for Tax Reform and works to build coalitions of economic conservatives in support of free-market principles and freedom of expression worldwide.
The discussion focused on the Online Safety Act from several perspectives. Zia Yusuf outlined what a Reform UK government would seek to implement if elected at the next general election. Lord Young addressed the implications of the Act for freedom of expression and the effect current regulations are having on these long-standing rights. Andreas Hellman considered the constraints the Act places on international trade agreements and the obstacles it presents for future negotiations.
Under Secretary Rogers, on her first public engagement outside the United States representing the US Government, spoke about the dangers of political censorship and laws against free speech which are growing around the world. She spoke about the strong shared history between Britain and America in the protection of liberty and western civilisation, and how freedom of expression is fundamental to our societies.
The event attracted a full audience, with standing room only. A recording is available on our YouTube channel and via X.