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Julia Hartley-Brewer, a presenter on Talkradio, has been banned from next year\u2019s Labour Party conference after joking about a \u201csafe space\u201d room there. Twitter is debating whether the remark was offensive or just free speech.<\/p>\n
Hartley-Brewer, who attended this year\u2019s Labour conference in Liverpool, has been told by party officials that despite her clarification on comments made about a \u201csafe space,\u201d<\/em> she was being banned because \u201cmaterial considered offensive remained on social media.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n A Labour spokeswoman confirmed: \u201cWe reserve the right to decide who we accredit for our events. Julia Hartley-Brewer had no right to use our conference facilities to mock disabled people, so she will not be welcome next year.<\/em><\/p>\n READ MORE:\u00a0UK to set up new internet regulator to monitor \u2018hate speech\u2019 and enforce \u2018code of conduct\u2019 \u2013 report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong>\u201cWe received multiple complaints about Julia Hartley-Brewer’s behavior during [the] conference, including from Disability Labour, and she caused considerable distress to vulnerable groups, including to delegates with conditions including Asperger\u2019s, autism and anxiety disorders.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The row centers on a five-second video that Hartley-Brewer posted on Twitter, showing the former Sunday Express journalist in a Labour conference room labeled \u201csafe space.\u201d<\/em> She says the word \u201cboo\u201d<\/em> to camera with an accompanying tweet that read: \u201cComrades, if you\u2019re feeling triggered at the Labour Party conference, don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ve found the official #SafeSpace.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n She received a backlash from those on social media who accused her of mocking people with special needs such as Asperger\u2019s, autism, and anxiety disorders. One such individual told Hartley-Brewer that the \u201csafe space\u201d<\/em> was for \u201cautistic people like me who suffer from being overwhelmed by our senses.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Hartley-Brewer\u2019s defense was that the sign on the door said the room was for \u201canyone.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n It’s for people with autism who struggle with crowds. You’re comfortable mocking people with autism? Does your employer think this is ok?<\/p>\n \u2014 Dave Evans (@davidjamesevans) September 24, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Its for autistic people like me who suffer from being overwhelmed by our senses.<\/p>\n Noise, crowds, too much stuff going on can cause issues for us.<\/p>\n A safe space allows us to regroup and still participate.<\/p>\n Are you saying people like me should be excluded from taking part?<\/p>\n \u2014 OU Autistic Student #GTTO🇵🇸 (@AspieOu) September 24, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n That you feel the need to mock this space for people who are autistic, may suffer anxiety attacks, may just have gotten a catastrophic call about a loved one says everything about you. May you desperately need that safe space one day, be denied it, & have that need mocked.<\/p>\n \u2014 ravenwolf68 (@ravenwolf68) September 24, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n No it isn\u2019t. It\u2019s for \u201canyone\u201d who feels they need a \u201csafe space\u201d.<\/p>\n \u2014 Julia Hartley-Brewer (@JuliaHB1) September 24, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n She has called the decision \u201cOrwellian,\u201d \u201csinister,\u201d<\/em> and a \u201cblatant attack on freedom of speech.\u201d<\/em> She added: \u201cI am being punished for the thought crime of making a joke they didn\u2019t find funny. It\u2019s like something out of 1984.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The row has prompted debate over \u2018freedom of speech\u2019 and whether people should be free to mock anyone, regardless of their personal situation. Hartley-Brewer has found an ally in Nigel Farage, the ex-UKIP leader, who accused Labour of telling people what they \u201ccan and can\u2019t joke about.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n James Cleverly, deputy chairman of the Conservatives, has called Labour \u201cthin-skinned, petulant and humorless\u201d<\/em> for the decision.<\/p>\n Julia Hartley-Brewer: The Labour Party is now telling me and everyone else what we can and can\u2019t say, and what we can and can\u2019t joke about. https:\/\/t.co\/CDDqqElUDW<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Nigel Farage (@Nigel_Farage) October 1, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n People have permission to take the piss. It’s called free speech.<\/p>\n In my opinion anyone who uses that room is doing so for attention. If you agree, disagree, are offended by\/with my opinion it really doesn’t matter as I’m allowed to hold it and voice it.<\/p>\n \u2014 Yammerdaeus 🇬🇧 (@markyamyam) October 1, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s a disgrace You may not like what she says but it\u2019s a dark time when it\u2019s controlled<\/p>\n \u2014 Michael Southern (@MichaelSouther7) October 1, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n
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Free speak, public and press scrutiny should be encouraged not suppressed <\/p>\n