Policing Priorities in Scotland The Free Speech Perspective

**FSU Edinburgh Speakeasy: Policing and Free Speech – A Critical View**
**Date:** Wednesday, 30th April 2025
**Location:** The Counting House, 38 West Nicolson Street, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9DD
**Event Details:** Panel Discussion from 7:15pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm), bar available until 10:30pm

As lesser offenses such as theft, burglary, and physical assault are seemingly sidelined, law enforcement appears to focus more on scrutinizing online expression, documenting ‘non-crime hate incidents,’ and implementing policing based on subjective perceptions—where a mere accusation from an activist can lead to significant repercussions for the accused.

One year after the introduction of Scotland’s contentious Hate Crime and Public Order Act, what effects have been observed on freedom of expression, police practices, and public confidence in the system? Are the police and judicial framework fostering a safer, fairer Scotland, or are they paving the way for what Scottish author Ewan Morrison calls “cute authoritarianism”—a troubling future where fundamental liberties are eroded under the guise of shielding us from emotional harm and identity-based offense? How does public discourse fare when personal feelings shape legal outcomes? And if Scotland serves as a pilot, could this be a preview of broader implications for others?

Mark your calendars for 30th April 2025 and join us for a compelling conversation with a panel of seasoned experts deeply familiar with Scotland’s legal and policing environment. Our speakers include:
– **Keith Stewart KC**, former Advocate General for Scotland and a key legal advisor to the UK Government until 2024, now back in private practice and active in the House of Lords.
– **Neil Hay**, Head of Private Crime at the prestigious Levy & McRae law firm, with nearly three decades of experience in Scottish criminal law and a strategic partner of FSU on issues like the Hate Crime Act.
– **Calum Steele**, former General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation for 15 years until 2023, with extensive international policing leadership roles and currently a columnist for The Herald.
The session will be moderated by **Kapil Summan**, an Edinburgh-based journalist with over ten years of experience reporting on legal matters.

There will be ample opportunity for audience engagement, Q&A, and mingling with like-minded advocates of free speech.

**Event Schedule:**
– Panel Discussion: