The spiked podcast The horrifying arrest of Graham Linehan
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Sep 5, 2025 In this discussion, Connie Shaw from the Free Speech Union shares insights on the chilling arrest of Graham Linehan for his tweets on gender issues, raising alarms about free speech and state interference. The conversation delves into the repercussions of speech policing, highlighting authoritarian tendencies in law enforcement. They also touch on Zach Polanski’s unique background as a hypnotist and the evolving dynamics within the Green Party, as well as the complex and often inauthentic nature of patriotism in British politics.
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Speech Policing Looks Authoritarian
- The arrest of Graham Linehan exposed how speech policing has become authoritarian and cruel in practice.
- Armed officers arresting a comedy writer for jokey tweets shocked the public and highlighted prosecutorial overreach.
Linehan's Arrest And Medical Scare
- Tom describes Linehan's joked-about tweets and how police treated them as serious directions for violence.
- Linehan was arrested at Heathrow, interviewed, and became so stressed he needed hospital treatment.
Pattern Of Vexatious Complaints
- Connie Shaw notes a consistent pattern where activists make vexatious complaints and the police act as their 'goon squad.'
- Many people face similar arrests and device seizures without having large platforms to draw attention.