US accuses UK of worsening human rights, curbing free speech

(DDM) – The United States has accused the United Kingdom of significant human rights failings, including restrictions on free speech, in its newly released annual Human Rights Practices report.

The report, published by the U.S. State Department, claims human rights conditions in the UK “worsened” in 2024.

It cites credible evidence of “serious restrictions on freedom of expression” alongside “crimes, violence, or threats of violence motivated by antisemitism” in the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, according to Sky News.

While acknowledging that Britain generally provides for free speech, the assessment raises concerns over “political speech deemed ‘hateful’ or ‘offensive.’”

It criticises public space protection orders that allow local councils to restrict certain activities in designated areas and “safe access zones” around abortion clinics, measures the UK Home Office says are designed to protect women from harassment.

The report also targets the Online Safety Act, warning that its enforcement could “chill speech,” particularly in reference to arrests after the riots following the 2024 Southport murders.

UK ministers, however, insist the law is a vital child protection tool, with some accusing critics of siding with predators.

The release of the report coincides with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s holiday in the Cotswolds and echoes his February remarks at the Munich Security Conference, where he cautioned against the UK “losing free speech.”

“Last week, Vance met with Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kent, reiterating his concerns about Britain heading down a “very dark path.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeatedly defended the UK’s record on civil liberties.

In a past exchange with Vance at a White House summit, Starmer stressed, “We’ve had free speech for a very long time… and we are very proud of that.”

Responding to the U.S. findings, a UK government spokesperson said, “Free speech is vital for democracy around the world, including here in the UK, and we are proud to uphold freedoms whilst keeping our citizens safe.”

Interestingly, the State Department’s criticisms mirror those voiced by political figure Nigel Farage and billionaire Elon Musk.

However, the Trump administration, where Vance serves as a senior figure, has faced its own allegations of curbing free expression, particularly in disputes with U.S. universities, including Harvard.

Observers say the diplomatic tension could add strain to U.S.-UK relations, especially as debates over balancing security and civil liberties gain more prominence in Western democracies.

The full report is available on the U.S. State Department’s website and comes amid growing international scrutiny of speech regulation laws in the UK and beyond.

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