Champion of Free Speech or a Rebel Rouser?

Be Careful of what you wish for

Well the NF saga  started back on 29 June when I was still on holiday. I remember because MY asked me for my views, as it had even made the headlines in the ROI.

At the time I was surprised at NF allegation, and was reassured by the BBC report that the account was closed because of lack of funds rather than due to his political beliefs.

I did however caveat my comments, by saying that I thought there was more to the story and no doubt the truth would eventually come out.

Well, has it by George.

The media outlets, extreme political pundits, and self-righteous twitter users, have had a field day over the last month, with popular feeling swinging to and fro during that time.

The facts seem now to be out, but is this end of it. I am not so sure.

NF, in his usual way, seeks to be the champion of free speech, while the opposition seek to accuse him of being a rebel rouser.

Both sides appear, not for the first or last time, to be rather hypocritical in their stances.

Clearly NF personal details, including his wealth should not have been disclosed by a bank, and quite rightly heads have rolled accordingly. The CEO of NatWest has moved on by mutual consent.

Coutts boss, has now also, by mutual consent left his position with immediate effect, for producing a dossier on NF political views, and opinions, while evidently being a reason for refusing NF a bank account at the prestigious private bank for the wealthy after his mortgage came to an end.

So where do I stand on this thorny little debate.

As always I do believe Freedom of Speech is paramount, and people are entitled to their views and opinions, so long as they remain lawful.

NF shouldn’t be prevented from having a bank account, if his views are lawful, no matter how some may view his stance on many matters. I am not a fan of his rather extreme position, but he is entitled to those views, as do his many supporters.

I do though find NF continued demand for everyone on the board at NatWest to resign rather a witch hunt on his behalf, and possibly playing to his audience on GB News. This insistence seems initially a bit rich, well unless all of them were party to the instigating of the dossier on him and were personally responsible for him having his bank account closed. Unlikely but maybe plausible.

Surely if NF is a champion of Free Speech, he should acknowledge that any business, whether they are a bank, or any other trader has the right to their own opinions, values, and standards. They should also perhaps be allowed to uphold those values, especially if they feel associating with others of extreme political views could affect their business.

So, is it a right that you should be allowed a bank account no matter what your political views, well, as long as those views are legal and within the laws then the answer must be yes. But I am not sure every bank has blacklisted NF, and I am led to believe that NatWest, the owner of Coutts, offered him a bank account.

NF, treads a narrow line between expressing, somewhat opinionated political beliefs while expecting everyone to accept them, (or adopt them), even though those views can be seem by people with opposite political views as ultra extremist, and a reason to not want anything to do with him

Now NF, can huff and puff, as is his want, but he has a choice, like everyone.

Perhaps, not be so vocal about his views, like most people, and have a bank account in the UK.

Or make a big song and dance about it, and find that his views are not as acceptable to the majority, and he will have to rely on putting his coin of the realm, under his mattress for safe keeping.

NF it’s your choice, but don’t seek to force your opinions on others, or champion on my behalf, well not this time.