Vance Slams UK Censorship with Prime Minister Just Feet Away

Clear Facts

• Vice President JD Vance criticized the UK’s censorship practices, highlighting concerns over free speech and religious liberties.
• Vance’s remarks were made directly to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a meeting in the Oval Office.
• Recent UK legal actions against individuals for their speech raise questions about the country’s commitment to free speech.

Vice President JD Vance has once again taken a firm stance against the UK’s approach to free speech, this time directly confronting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office. Vance has been vocal about his concerns regarding the suppression of speech and attacks on religious liberties in Western nations, with a particular focus on Britain.

Earlier this month, Vance criticized the UK’s free speech record at the Munich Security Conference. He cited the conviction of British Army veteran Adam Smith-Connor for silent prayer as a troubling example. During the recent Oval Office meeting, Vance reiterated his concerns, stating, “We do have, of course, a special relationship with our friends in the U.K. and also our European allies, but we also know there have been infringements on free speech.”

Vance’s comments alluded to the UK’s demand for Apple to dismantle its encryption under the Investigatory Powers Act, which could potentially impact American technology companies and citizens. Reports indicate that this secret order was issued in January by Starmer’s home secretary.

Prime Minister Starmer, in response to Vance’s critique, attempted to defend the UK’s record on free speech. He stated, “We’ve had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom, and it will last for a very, very long time.” However, recent incidents in the UK cast doubt on this assertion.

In January 2024, a Christian singer faced law enforcement action for singing gospel music outside of church grounds. Lee Joseph Dunn received an eight-week jail sentence for posting memes online, and another individual was jailed for a Facebook post deemed offensive.

These cases, along with the arrest of former Royal Marine Jamie Michael for criticizing illegal immigration, suggest a pattern of censorship that contradicts Starmer’s claims. The director of Public Prosecutions of England and Wales has acknowledged the presence of “dedicated police officers who are scouring social media” for potentially inflammatory material.

As Vance continues to champion free speech, the UK’s actions raise questions about the true state of free expression in the country.

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