Yes they have Free Speech in Britain...which makes me wonder why the comments section on this piece is closed....
On what basis do they have Free Speech in Britain? There is no First Amendment or Constitution.
Comments section are shut for one of two reasons:
1—If its an ongoing criminal case, the very strict laws of prejudice in the UK dont allow newspapers/media to print public comments.
2—The papers shut them down because of obscene remarks, trolls etc.