JD Vance criticizes UK free speech policies in meeting with Starmer
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the UK's record, stating, "The UK has had free speech for a very long time and is proud of its record."
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President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, center left, alongside US Vice President JD Vance, right, and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, 2nd left, at the White House, Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Washington. (AP)
US Vice President JD Vance voiced strong concerns about free speech restrictions in the United Kingdom during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the Oval Office on Thursday.
When asked about Vance's recent criticism of free speech limitations in the UK, US President Donald Trump deferred to his vice president. "We do have a special relationship with our friends in the UK and European allies, but we also know that there have been infringements on free speech that affect not just the British – of course, what the British do in their own country is up to them – but also affect American technology companies and by extension American citizens," Vance stated. He confirmed that the issue would be addressed in the discussions with Starmer.
In response to Vance's remarks, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the UK's record, stating, "The UK has had free speech for a very long time and is proud of its record."
Read more: UK adds new definition to 'extremism', raises alarms on free speech
Vance's remarks come in the wake of his speech at the Munich Security Conference earlier in February, where he asserted that free speech is "in retreat" across Europe, with particular emphasis on what he described as the UK's "backslide" in religious freedom.
He cited incidents like the arrest of individuals for silent prayer near abortion clinics as examples of restrictions on freedom of expression.
His comments align with concerns among conservatives in the US who argue that European regulations, such as the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), may infringe on free expression by expanding governments' ability to regulate online content.
While European policymakers defend the DSA as a necessary tool to combat misinformation, hate speech, and foreign influence campaigns, critics say it could be used to silence dissenting political opinions.
Trump threatens legal action over anonymous sources
In related news, Trump on Wednesday escalated his ongoing battle with the media, this time targeting the use of anonymous sources in books and news stories.
Following the release of Michael Wolff's latest exposé, "All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America," Trump expressed his anger over claims made in the book, including allegations about his mental state following an assassination attempt during the election campaign.
According to Wolff, after surviving the attack, Trump reportedly exhibited erratic behavior, struggling to complete sentences and displaying anger that was "stunning even for the famously thin-skinned former reality TV star."
The book also features a claim from a Mar-a-Lago insider suggesting that First Lady Melania Trump "hates him," adding to the controversy surrounding Trump's personal life.
Read more: Trump threatens legal action over anonymous sources in media, books
