Sometimes we will read, hear or see things with which we disagree. We may even be offended. That alone is not a reason to shut down debate or to suppress different perspectives. Liberal democracies live or die by the battle of ideas.
This newspaper has its own views. We are a champion of our city, the people and businesses which make it great. We believe that every resident has the right to breathe clean air, hence our support for the ultra-low emission zone. We support a humane approach to immigration and think Britain ought to have remained in the European Union.
But in our comment pages, we often publish wildly varying perspectives. Just last week, we ran opposing views on the Mayor’s “Say maaate to a mate” harassment campaign on back-to-back days. Not out of an attempt to be all things to all people, but because we believe in pluralism.
Our strength lies in our diversity, not only that of background but of opinion. And we need more of it. That is why the Evening Standard is today reaffirming our support for free speech. It is the only way to guarantee that we — or indeed anyone else — can say what they believe.
Battle to stop Trump
It should still have the power to shock — whether it has the ability to change minds is another question entirely.
Former president Donald Trump has been indicted on four charges over his attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 US election. The indictment alleges that Mr Trump conspired with six unnamed individuals to subvert the transfer of power in the lead-up to the January 6 Capitol riot.
Yet the former reality TV star remains the heavy favourite to secure the Republican nomination for a third time, and recent polling suggests he is neck-and-neck with President Joe Biden for the White House.
Indeed, the central question now appears to be whether a president has the constitutional authority to pardon themselves — an eventuality the founding fathers carelessly failed to account for.
The Lionesses roar
Two goals from Lauren James and a brilliant all-round team performance has seen England qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup without a scare.
Chelsea star James has taken the tournament by storm, making the Lionesses look like real title contenders despite the number of injuries the team must negotiate.
The European Champions next face Nigeria on Monday for a place in the quarter-finals. They need fear no one.
