In this rare 1990 C-SPAN clip, Christopher Hitchens takes aim at one of the strangest quirks of British law: the Official Secrets Act. With his sharp wit and biting commentary, Hitchens explains how absurd it was that the Post Office Tower in London (now known as the BT Tower) was legally considered an “official secret.” Despite being one of the most recognizable buildings on the London skyline, its very existence could not be mentioned in Parliament or in the press without risk of legal consequences.
Hitchens uses this bizarre example to highlight the dangers of secrecy laws, censorship, and the authoritarian mindset behind them. He argues that such restrictions are not about genuine national security, but about preserving government control and stifling free speech. The idea that a massive communications tower in central London could be treated as if it were invisible demonstrates the absurdity of the state’s obsession with secrecy.
This moment captures Hitchens at his best: combining political insight, historical context, and a sense of humor to expose the flaws of British politics and law. His critique of the Official Secrets Act resonates beyond its time, raising timeless questions about government overreach, transparency, and the balance between security and freedom.
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