Freedom of speech means not just being able to say anything, but that what you say MAY make a difference!
I used to think Blair was smart by letting the (insert appropriate group here) say what they wanted without reprisal because the Intelegence networks could get a good handle on them. They could then "deal" with the next level in the organisation!
The death of Robin Cook is obviously a blow to free speech(ers) simply because he was high profile and smart!

ps
I think Blair is basically trying to do his best in a bad world