The countdown is on for the launch of a new UK-wide campaign
defend uk - in defence of free speech & democracy
The defend uk campaign will be a national initiative founded by a former communications chief and broadcast journalist, Jason Tanner. The campaign is a direct response to overt threats being made to free speech by significant parts of social media and will work to put ownership of free speech back in the hands of the people.
Jason Tanner, who led talented media teams at two major UK charities will reveal how the campaign has come about, and identify some of the threats and enemies of free speech and how they operate.
It's intended to be an independent, people led campaign for the people to firstly raise awareness of the threats and then recruit an army of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to take action to redress the balance.
The defend uk campaign will push back on today's threats; Expose manipulation; Strengthen media literacy; Support independent journalism; and help the population understand how information is shaped, filtered, and weaponised.
It is built on evidence and a belief that democracy only works when people can genuinely speak — and be heard — without an algorithm deciding their worth.
The defend campaign will formally launch on Tuesday 10th March 2026 with it's first 'Manifesto to Protect 'and the firing-up of the new campaign's website. The campaign's work started behind the scenes as a matter of urgency.
Embargoed materials, interviews and other opportunities will be made available by arrangement before and on the day of the launch. Applicable embargo for these elements will be 00:01 on Tuesday 10th March 2026 The full campaign website will also go live with opportunities to join the volunteer 'army'
Any media looking for a tailored pre-launch exclusive should register interest as soon as possible. You can also register to receive embargoed media information ahead of launch day as well as key web pages for the campaign. Please contact jason@jasontanner.uk The campaign's full website will go live on launch day via www.defenduk.uk/defend
Notes for Editors
Jason Tanner is the founder of the defend uk campaign and a news commentator when time allows. He was the last Chief Press Officer for the National Trust before a major reorganisation saw it move it's London HQ to Swindon . Amongst many projects, Jason revealed to the world's media the Trust's acquisition of a rare survival of 'slum housing' in Birmingham and was part of the team, that worked with Sir Anthony Hopkins in a race to save Snowdon for the nation some 20 plus years ago. When the Trust relocated, Jason headed up media relations for Dame Elisabeth Hoodless at CSV (now Volunteering Matters) and worked closely with key national journalists on a project that placed pioneering volunteers within the families of children at risk. He also headed a talented team that put volunteers squarely on the map as CSV took the lead on the Year of the Volunteer, 2005 leading to the climactic efforts of the Olympic Volunteers of 2012. He also dealt with the enormous international media attention generated when the government of the time launched its ill-fated Big Society.
