"I regard freedom of expression as the primary right without which one can not have a proper functioning democracy"

Freedom of expression serves as the cornerstone for every democratic society. Lord Hailsham emphasizes that all other democratic rights and structures depend fundamentally on the ability of individuals to freely articulate their thoughts, opinions, grievances, and aspirations. Where expression is curtailed, the essential discourse between citizens, authorities, and institutions falters, leading to stagnation, authoritarianism, and the suppression of dissent.

The vitality of democracy lies not merely in voting or institutional checks and balances but in the robust, ongoing exchange of ideas. Free expression empowers people to scrutinize government conduct, highlight injustices, and propose alternatives. It is the mechanism by which the collective intellect of a society evolves and corrects itself. Without it, critical voices are silenced, and those in power become unaccountable. Societal problems, left unarticulated, fester in silence, and constructive solutions remain undiscovered.

Furthermore, freedom of expression protects minority viewpoints from being overwhelmed by the majority. It offers a forum where diverse perspectives compete, ensuring that progress stems from dialogue rather than dogma. The dynamic of debate, citizens holding their leaders accountable, journalists investigating stories, activists rallying for change, depends wholly on this right. Historical examples abound where its absence has paved the way for tyranny and stagnation; totalitarian regimes maintain their grip by stifling free speech and censoring public debate, rendering democracy an empty formality.

Instituting freedom of expression reinforces a culture of openness and mutual respect. It signifies trust in the rationality and agency of individuals to discern truth from falsehood through debate, rather than through imposed orthodoxy. Ultimately, democracy is not simply the rule of the majority but the combined result of countless voices in conversation, disagreement, and agreement. When people can speak, democracy breathes; when they cannot, it withers. Lord Hailsham’s view underscores not just the utility but the necessity of free expression for democratic life to flourish.