Govt urged to call time on new laws which could force to hire bouncers to police boozy chats

KEMI Badenoch has been urged to call time on new laws which risk curbing pub chat.

No10 insisted freedom of speech would be upheld in boozers and people will not be “silenced”.

But campaigners and MPs warned legislation must be toughened up to stop claims from over-sensitive employees.

As it stands, an update to equalities laws could mean employers may be held liable if staff hear something they dislike.

Landlords — and football clubs — would have to take “all reasonable steps” so workers are not “harassed” — meaning more training and box-ticking.

Equalities Secretary Mrs Badenoch has been urged to sort out the mess.

Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said hospitality venues were struggling to survive rising energy costs, inflation and train strikes so “more red tape is the last thing they need”.

He said: “It’s up to Kemi to call time on this new anti-free speech measure.”

Tory MP Danny Kruger said action was needed so “free speech is upheld and our much-loved pubs are not burdened by yet more red tape and curbs”.

One minister added: “Has the world gone mad? This feels like Cromwellian times.”

No10 said: “Freedom of speech is a vital pillar of our society.

“That’s why we support an amendment to this legislation, which will ensure no one is silenced for simply expressing their legitimately held opinions.”