Right-wing veteran’s working with children ban proves Trump is right about UK free speech
An ex-Royal Marine’s clash with safeguarding laws has ignited a fierce debate over free speech and child protection, leaving many questioning the balance
The Iraq war veteran was cleared of a ‘hate crime’ in 17 minutes (Image: DM)
A former Royal Marine has been barred from working with children after protesting against illegal migrants, The Telegraph has reported. The shocking decision has sparked outrage among free speech campaigners, who claim that spurious safeguarding concerns are increasingly being used to “silence” individuals with “patriotic views” in a “scandalous abuse of the system.”
One campaign group has uncovered more than a dozen instances in which laws designed to protect children from harm are being wielded to suppress Right-wing opinions. The alarming trend has intensified concerns over the treatment of Jamie Michael, an Iraq war veteran who has been prohibited from coaching his daughter’s football team.
Mr Michael’s plight also risks heightening tensions between London and Washington, as the Trump administration has repeatedly warned that free speech is being eroded under Sir Keir Starmer‘s premiership.
Veteran charged with inciting racial hatred after describing migrants as ‘scumbags’ and ‘psychopaths’
The 47-year-old from Penygraig, south Wales, faced charges of inciting racial hatred after referring to some migrants as “scumbags” and “psychopaths” in a 12-minute Facebook video. The video was posted in the wake of the murders of three children in Southport, which triggered riots nationwide.
Jury clears veteran in just 17 minutes, but safeguarding board deems him unsuitable to work with children
Despite being cleared by a jury after a mere 17 minutes, Mr Michael’s local safeguarding board, responsible for protecting vulnerable children, has determined that he is not “suitable” to work with youngsters.
Less than a fortnight following his acquittal, the father of two was informed that a “child protection concern” made against him had been “substantiated.”
Consequently, the Football Association of Wales has barred Mr Michael from coaching his daughter’s team following a private meeting with the local authority’s safeguarding officer and South Wales Police.
Mr Michael served in Iraq in 2003, and had two stints as a peacekeeper in Sierra Leone (Image: Supplied)
Mr Michael, who is suing the authorities for £25,000 for breaching his human rights, expressed his disbelief, stating, “It makes no sense.
“It just seems to me they want to punish me because of my opinions and because my views don’t align with theirs.”
Free speech campaigners have vehemently denounced the use of safeguarding concerns to “silence” individuals with “patriotic views,” labeling it a “scandalous abuse of the system.”
The growing trend has raised alarm bells among those who champion the right to express one’s opinions freely, without fear of reprisal or punishment.
