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11. Are we Freer than we think?
Is freedom in peril from CCTV, smoking bans and ASBOs? Or, in an individualistic and deference-free age, are we freer than we've ever been before? Speakers include Tony Blair's former aide Philip Collins, Justice Albie Sachs from South Africa's Constitutional Court and Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Bernard Hogan-Howe.
Also see Event 15 Discussion with Albie Sachs
View this event in the schedule
More broadcasts from the Free Thinking 2007 festival
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.Free Thinking 07 Event Poll 11
Is the UK a freer society than it was 20 years ago?
- Yes7 votes
(30.4%) - No14 votes(60.9%)
- Don't know2 votes(8.7%)
Total votes: 23
Results are indicative and may not reflect public opinion
bill beattie, liverpool
aldous huxley was right
Scott, Warrington
Of course we are. We have far more choices today in the things that matter - who we are , how we can express ourselves , where we can go, what attitudes we are allowed to express openly. Yes there is a niggling undercurrent of intrusive regulation but these to my mind are mainly in areas of little real significnce and usually serve a justifiable purpose. Yes we are monitored more, CCTV filmed more etc but we are judged LESS. Whats so bad about being watched anyway unless you have something sinister to hide!!
Willam Cope, London
We're so free it's unbelievable. Buy fruit and veg from anywhere in the world 24 hours a day. Sexual freedom has totally changed. You can even walk down the street in dominatrix gear and nobody will bat an eyelid. Venice is a fifty quid flight away. You can wear what you want to work. You don't have to go to church on Sunday. And then there's the Human Rights legislation which has made many secitions of society - eg those with disabilities - freer than ever. How can you say we're not as free as we were...
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