Who am I?

My name is Martin Speake. I am a composer, saxophonist, academic and educator within the UK jazz scene. I have dedicated more than 50 years to understanding and applying the art of jazz since I began playing at 16. I am a passionate educator and have enjoyed creating a framework for my students to express themselves through music. I pride myself on the time and energy I put into cultivating personal relationships with my students and strive to support them well after they have left my care.

I hold a true and genuine belief in the equality and dignity of all human beings. I have been politically expressive about this and was even arrested in 1977 for protesting against the National Front. More recently, I co-organised the initiative ‘Long Tones for Peace’ in London’s Union Chapel, with the aim of inspiring the peaceful co-existence of all people worldwide.

My story

In February 2024 I responded to an email asking for feedback on BLM/anti-racist policies and initiatives at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance (‘TL’), my employer for the past 22 years. I expressed my view that there is no systemic racial inequality in the UK jazz scene and that Critical Race Theory is divisive and dangerous. I asked for a discussion. I signed off the email with Martin Luther King Jr’s famous adage that we should not judge people ‘by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character’. I never received a reply.

Some time later I forwarded this email to a student with whom I had had a stimulating conversation on the topic earlier that day. This student showed the email to some peers, but didn’t forward it to anyone. Nevertheless, as some students heard about it, the email began to attract some discontent and speculation within the student body. TL then halted my teaching and pressured me to consent to the circulation of my email to the entire jazz department.

As soon as TL shared my email with the entire jazz department, my personal nightmare began. Instead of defending my right to hold this belief, TL publicly distanced itself from me, threatened disciplinary action and allowed harmful rumours to spread about me. As a result, students boycotted my classes, not only at TL but also at other institutions. The London Jazz Orchestra, for which I had been lead alto saxophonist for 15 years, asked me to take leave from my post. Other bands refused to play my compositions. All my scheduled performances around the UK were unceremoniously cancelled and most venues refused to book me for future concerts. The release of my latest album was halted. Staff and students alike ostracised me. This led to me needing to take sick leave for an extended period.

I had hoped that, on my return to work in September 2024, the situation at TL (and more widely) would have calmed down. Unfortunately, TL continued to allow me to be the target of discriminatory and harassing behaviour with no regard to my wellbeing, or the law.

More broadly, I continued to be effectively ‘cancelled’ within the jazz scene.

With a very heavy heart I had no choice but to resign from my post with TL in November 2024 as my working environment had become unbearable.

My legal case 

I have already filed a claim against TL for the discrimination and harassment I have endured on the basis of my protected philosophical belief (under the Equality Act 2010) as expressed in my email. I allege that TL has failed to secure my right to academic freedom and free speech more generally. I have done this with the generous assistance of the Free Speech Union and the excellent solicitor their support has allowed me to engage, James Murray (Doyle Clayton). The hearing to determine my claim will be between 3-12 August 2026. My preliminary hearing will be on the 9^th of September 2025.

I am now also going to file a claim for constructive dismissal against TL. Essentially, TL forced me to resign by virtue of its conduct towards me, which, I believe, constitutes a serious breach of contract. I hope I will be able to join these two claims together and that TL will be held accountable.

Any support you pledge will help me make progress on both claims.

Why I need your help 

The Free Speech Union has provided invaluable moral, financial and legal support – and continues to do so. However, the additional claim of constructive dismissal, which I had hoped not to need to file, adds an additional layer of complexity and cost. I have now also lost my income. I need your help to fight this fight. My crowdfunder will be extended in tandem with the relevant milestones that I reach:

Milestone 1: £7,500. For the drafting of my constructive dismissal claim.

Milestone 2: + £25,500. For the case management preliminary hearing (including estimated counsel’s fees), drafting the schedule of loss and work relating to the disclosure of documents.

Milestone 3: + £37,000. For the preparation of the bundle, drafting of witness statements and other costs relating to further applications or discussions with the other side.

Milestone 4: + £62, 400. For the preparation of the final hearing, including estimated counsel’s fees.

I believe TL would not have behaved so atrociously if the commencement of certain clauses within the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act had not been halted by Bridget Phillipson in July 2024. I now have no choice, however, but to carry on with litigation to achieve justice and, hopefully, create a level of protection for other academics like me.

Higher education providers should not allow or perpetuate the horrible discriminatory treatment I have endured these past months for expressing a legitimate belief. Freedom of expression is vital in both the arts and higher education.

Thank you for your support.