The Ugly Truth About Freedom Of Speech

I’m deeply gratified to see Mark Wallinger’s State Britain has been nominated for the Turner Prize this year. His work, championing the unstinting work of anti-war campaigner Brian Haw tells you all you need to know about the ridiculously paranoid lengths that the police and government will go to now to quash perfectly legitimate protest.
Brian is featured in the documentary 24 Hours In London, (yes all right, shameless plug) and his appearance is one of the film’s highlights. His passion and integrity is something to be celebrated as a testament to free speech. That it takes a piece of art of make this clear seems wrong, yet sadly apposite.