In Farrell v South Yorkshire Police Authority a tribunal decided that beliefs that the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks were “false flag operations” approved by the US and UK governments, and that the media is controlled by a global elite seeking to support government foreign policy, were not philosophical beliefs protected by the Religion or Belief Regulations 2003.
Mr Farrell was a police intelligence analyst. He submitted a strategic threat assessment in which he expressed beliefs that: (i) the 9/11 and 7/7 terrorist attacks were “false flag operations”, approved by the US and UK governments to persuade the citizens of both countries to support foreign wars; and (ii) a global elite controlled the media and overstates the risk of terrorist attacks to support government foreign policy agenda. Mr Farell was dismissed as his views were not compatible with his role and he claimed discrimination on grounds of belief.
A tribunal rejected Mr Farell’s claim. While Mr Farrell’s beliefs were genuinely held, related to weighty and substantial aspects of human life and were compatible with human dignity, they failed to pass the test in Grainger plc v Nicholson because they did not meet even a bare minimum standard of coherence and cohesion. Given the nature of the events that had taken place and the weight of evidence surrounding the terrorist attacks, Mr Farrell’s conspiracy theories are “wildly improbable” and when he answered questions about his beliefs, their incoherent nature became apparent. Viewed objectively, his beliefs were “absurd”.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
