What an absolute honour and privilege it was to spend Wednesday morning in the House of Commons, alongside dissidents from Russia, Afghanistan, and China, speaking to Parliamentarians about the importance of end-to-end encryption.

The event, organised by Index on Censorship, was the most amazing, inspiring, and – here is the important point – politically effective gathering I’ve ever attended in the building. Hats off to Index for pulling it together.

Their campaign materials are excellent resources for further advocacy.

I have endured some right miserable days in the palace, so leaving with a smile on my face, knowing that good things had been done, felt amazing. But it wasn’t about me, of course. The three dissidents, who were so generous with their time and their words, are why we do this. It was humbling just to talk to them. This is why the work matters. This is what it’s all about.

Extra special thanks to Olga from Pussy Riot for doing me a massive favour. It was very much appreciated, by both the sender and the recipient. On an end-to-end encrypted app, of course.

I took this photo, I’m not in it!