This is the first in a series three podcasts in which Betty McLellan discusses aspects of the principle of Freedom of Speech. Here, Betty suggests that today’s heightened focus on individualism has rendered the concept of Free Speech farcical. Blame for this is laid at the feet of the economic philosophy of neoliberalism which has brought about a decline in democracy and democratic values. When free speech is seen to be an absolute right of the individual without any thought for the responsibilities that go with that, it is women and minority groups who are silenced. Free speech must be for all.