When I was last in England, I was told as a law school student that they did not. In delving around on the internet, I have found that in 1998 they legislated freedom of speech in the U.K. via incorporating the European Convention. However some freedoms that exist here, do not exist in the U.K., but it seems like all the major ones are covered, including the press. This is from Wikipedia. United Kingdom In 1998, the United Kingdom incorporated European Convention, and the guarantee of freedom of expression it contains in Article 10, into its domestic law under the Human Rights Act. UK law imposes a number of limitations on freedom of speech not found in some other jurisdictions. For example, its laws recognise the crimes of incitement to racial hatred and incitement to religious hatred. UK laws on defamation are also considered among the strictest in the Western world, imposing a high burden of proof on the defendant. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_of_speech#United_Kingdom

Not at all, we have laws restricting freedom of speech. Freedom of speech sounds like a noble concept, but in reality too many people take offense themselves or on other's behalf. As a christian country, less than 10% of English people believe in the bible, compared with a no religious country like America which has closer to 70% of christian belivers depending on your sources. I think countries with more clout in the world arena tend to be religious and feel superior to others, probably why the british empire adopted christianity in the first place. Freedom of religion on the other hand we love, we have made various concessions to other's beliefs. Seikh's were the only citizens allowed to ride motorcycles without a helmet due to their religion. We have more recently allowed shariah marriages and islamic organisations special dispensation. However Islam and freedom of anything do not go hand in hand well. I think personally Islam will help England get more laws restricting religious freedom and speech due to its aggressive nature. Which I don't mind at all being an atheist, each to their own until they oppress others. There was a guy from the BNP which is a right wing party associated with racism and bigotry. He were booked to speak at a free speech meeting/debate held at a prestigious university, to discuss the problems relating to discussing unpopular thoughts in society. There was demonstrations so he wasn't able to speak, which I found slightly ironic. As Chomsky said "If we do not believe in freedom of speech for those we despise we do not believe in it at all"

Its now called freedom of expression under the Human Rights Act 2000.And is covered by article 10. Article 10: Freedom of Expression (1) Everyone has the right of freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without inference by public authority and regardless of frontiers. This Article shall not prevent States from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, television or cinema enterprises. (2) The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary. I WILL POST FREEDOM OF RELIGION NEXT.

The freedom of religion is covered by Act 9 The Human Rights Act 2000.Freedom of Conscience. (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance. (2) Freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs shall be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order, health or morals, or for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.