Britain's sweeping new crackdown on 'antisocial' behavior sparks free speech backlash: 'Peak insanity'

The United Kingdom introduced new "respect orders" across England and Wales on Monday, giving authorities expanded powers to crack down on persistent "antisocial" behavior and drawing criticism from free speech advocates concerned about potential government overreach.

The U.K. government’s order enables police and councils to take stronger "enforcement action" against "adult offenders" of persistent "antisocial" behavior, according to a government news release.

Under the new restrictions...