This is an archive record of the pre- launch page  

Click the button for today's  defend uk homepage

Exciting times...this page will be changing and a new campaign to defend free speech will be born just after midnight, fingers-crossed 

The countdown is on for the launch of a new global campaign

defend uk - in defence of free speech & democracy

The  defend uk campaign being launched on Tuesday 10th March 2026 is a direct response to  current threats facing free speech and often channelled through social media. It will work to put ownership of free speech back in the hands of the people it was meant for. 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.

The campaign, originating in the UK is founded by a former NGO communications chief and broadcast journalist, Jason Tanner. 

Jason, who led talented media teams at two major UK charities will reveal a fundamental and simple update needed to the language of free speech to help protect it and will highlight some of the current threats and enemies and the tactics used. Based on research, Jason Tanner will reveal defend uk's first Manifesto to Protect Free Speech and its mission to galvanise a community-based  volunteer army.

It's intended to be an independent, 'people-led campaign for the people'. It will initially build awareness of the threats and then recruit citizen activists of all ages and backgrounds to monitor and identify threats and then take action to redress the balance.

The campaign is built on evidence and a belief that democracy only works when people can genuinely speak freely — and be heard — without an algorithm deciding their worth.

The defend uk campaign will formally launch on Tuesday 10th March 2026 with its first  'Manifesto to Protect 'and the switch-on of the new campaign's website.  The campaign's work started behind the scenes, 12 months ago, following a news item about child protection  and escalated in private, 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 its London HQ to Swindon as this long-established, respected conservation charity entered a new millenia . Amongst many unique projects,  Jason revealed to world 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 25 years ago. When the Trust relocated, Jason headed up media relations for Dame Elisabeth Hoodless at CSV (now Volunteering Matters) and worked closely and senstively 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 in the UK's psyche 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 coordinated, with limited resources, the enormous international media attention generated by CSV's Dame Hoodless when the government of the time launched its ill-fated Big Society at the end of her long, distinguished career.

The campaign actively seeks supporters, volunteers & partners. Defend also welcomes case studies from individuals, private & public sector organisations, enterprises or charities. Contributions can be kept anonymous if preferred. hello@defenduk.uk