Speak your mind here

SPEAKERS’ Corner in Hyde Park has long been a perfect example of freedom of speech in the UK, ever since the creation of the 1872 Right of Assembly of the Royal Parks and Gardens Act.
But now Nottingham has a corner of its own. There is no need to go all the way to London to search for the prized gem – now all anyone from the vicinity has to do is go down to the junction of King and Queen Streets near the Brian Clough statue and continue the great soapbox tradition.
So to have such an important place in Market Square establishes Nottingham as an upholder of the freethinking practice.
The city is no stranger to this. Up to the 1970s an informal speakers’ corner could be found in the heart of the square where people would debate on a series of issues. To have it physically established will give this local custom the seriousness and presence it deserves.
Historically, the speakers’ corner in London has brought together minds such as Marx, Engels, Lenin and Orwell and of course more than a decent amount of ramblers and lunatics claiming the end of the world is near.
Nonetheless, the importance of the speakers’ corner remains both as a symbol of democracy and righteousness and as a gateway of expression to anyone who feels compelled to share their thoughts.
Surely Nottingham will hopefully benefit a great deal from it.