Thank you for contacting me about free speech and the Financial Services and Markets Bill.
I was concerned to learn of PayPal’s decision to shut down certain accounts citing its “Acceptable Use Policy”. It is worrying that a company can so quickly, and without warning, withdraw financial services from users likely reliant on continued funding.
I understand that the Government did not consider Sally-Ann Hart’s amendment to the Financial Services and Markets Bill to be the right way to tackle this issue and as such Ms Hart withdrew her amendment. I welcome that the Government has pledged to work with Ms Hart and others, and to review freedom of speech and payments in other areas.
One such area is the Payment Services Regulations (2017), which sets out the rules for online payments. The Government has pledged that the issue of free speech and freedom of expression will be included as part of a review of the regulations in January 2023.
I will be sure to continue engaging with ministerial colleagues and others on this important issue.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.