A regional publisher is to recruit its first Freedom of Speech Editor to highlight its commitment to free expression and champion local journalism across the UK.

National World is creating the group-wide role, saying it wants to create a strong voice to defend free speech across the UK.

The role, which will not be location-specific, will involve covering the media and content sector as well as championing free speech and a “plurality of views.”

The group, which posted a upbeat trading assessment earlier this week, sees the creation of the role as an important element of its “transformation into a premium content and sales business.”

Deputy editor-in-chief of the group Gary Shipton, pictured, said: “Free speech has never been under as much pressure in the UK as it is today – and it is very much our responsibility as professional journalists to defend it. Our democracy depends on it.

“We see the Freedom of Speech Editor as someone who would cover the whole media and content sector and who would champion free speech and a plurality of views across our communities. We simply cannot allow the scope of public debate to be increasingly narrowed.

“Our content strategy is to promote expert opinion and launch campaigns in support of our communities both local and national.

“Given the turmoil in the country it is a good time to create a strong voice with the appointment of such an editor.”

Anyone interested in more information about the Freedom of Speech Editor role should contact Gary in the first instance at [email protected]