Julian Foulkes, a retired special constable, found himself in a peculiar situation when he was arrested and cautioned by Kent Police in 2023 due to a social media post. Despite feeling relieved to finally confess and share his current reading material, Douglas Murray’s latest book “On Democracies and Death Cults,” Julian couldn’t help but anticipate the impending knock on the door. Would it be two officers or more arriving to take him away in a police car with flashing blue lights, serving as a warning to others about the consequences of his actions?
His experience echoed that of another retired special constable, Julian Foulkes, who was similarly arrested in 2023 for a tweet. While such incidents are not uncommon in a country where even trivial matters lead to police involvement, Mr. Foulkes’ case took a bizarre turn when six officers conducted a thorough search of his home, expressing surprise at his “Brexity” reading choices.
What set this event apart was the subsequent personal apology extended to Mr. Foulkes by Kent’s chief constable. The rarity of a British police force admitting fault added to the surreal nature of the situation. As the prospect of facing charges for possessing and enjoying Murray’s book loomed, Julian pondered the possibility of additional offenses being brought against him.
Referencing a scene from the classic film “Robin and the Seven Hoods,” Julian humorously envisioned a contraption that could instantly transform his library to align with current sensibilities. This hypothetical device would swap out controversial books for more politically correct ones at the pull of a lever, to avoid potential scrutiny from a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion officer. Julian comically reflected on the need to shield his copies of contentious works with more socially acceptable dust jackets, highlighting the absurdity of the evolving societal norms.
As he contemplated revealing his involvement in the Scottish Vote Leave campaign of 2016, Julian’s satirical tone underscored the shifting landscape of societal acceptance and political correctness, adding a touch of levity to the gravity of his situation.
One cannot embody the spirit of Brexit more than this. While some of my Labour Party acquaintances have not forgiven me for my political divergence, it is unlikely they would go so far as to advocate for my imprisonment. Although, if Mr Foulkes was subjected to handcuffing and extensive interrogation for a mere tweet containing the word “Jews,” one can only speculate on the treatment I may receive under Police Scotland’s enforcement of Humza Yousaf’s contentious hate speech legislation.
While concerns about limitations on free speech, as expressed by figures like American Vice-President JD Vance, may at times be exaggerated, the recent incident of six police officers searching a person’s home, criticizing their choice of reading material, and dismissing it as “a bit Brexity” only adds fuel to the fire for those likening the current state of the UK to Orwell’s dystopian vision in 1984.
Whether the actions of the officers and their chief constable were born out of ignorance or malice, it raises the question of their continued employment. If law enforcement officers themselves lack a clear understanding of the law, it is a worrisome prospect for all citizens.
As I brace myself for potential legal repercussions, I have made arrangements with my spouse regarding prison visitation hours. The availability of Wi-Fi in my cell will significantly impact the frequency of my future columns. And with the realization that I possess a signed three-volume biography of Margaret Thatcher by Charles Moore, the prospect of an extended stay in prison looms large.
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