UK Free Speech Under Potential Threat, According to JD Vance, During Discussion with David Lammy
In a significant diplomatic visit, JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, met with the UK Foreign Secretary at Chevening House in Kent, expressing concerns about the erosion of free speech both in the UK and the United States under the Biden administration[1].
During the meeting, Vance warned the UK against going down a “very dark path” of losing free speech and criticized the West, including the U.S. under Biden, for becoming too comfortable with censoring differing opinions instead of engaging with them[1]. He specifically linked free speech concerns in the U.S. to the years 2020 to 2024 but suggested similar trends were occurring in the UK[1].
The broader context includes recent UK legislation such as the Online Safety Act 2023 and Scotland’s Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2024, which have been cited by the U.S. State Department and other experts as contributing to a decline in free speech protections in the UK[3]. These laws expand government regulatory power over online content and introduce harsh penalties (up to seven years in prison) for speech considered offensive or “stirring up hatred,” raising fears about government censorship and privacy erosion[3].
Additionally, the U.S. has publicly noted “significant human rights issues” in the UK, including restrictions on free speech[5]. Vance’s visit and warnings came amid other diplomatic discussions, including humanitarian efforts regarding Gaza, but his free speech comments have dominated analysis of his UK trip[4].
Vance’s remarks about censorship under the Biden administration have been controversial, with some commentators arguing that free speech in the U.S. today is worse than under Biden and criticizing Vance for not addressing free speech issues in relation to the Trump administration[2].
Despite the controversy, Vance kept his criticism about free speech in the UK low key during his visit, focusing on the beauty of Chevening and expressing gratitude towards the people of England for the estate[6]. The meeting between Vance and David Lammy was not commented on by David Lammy, although a picture of the two fishing together was posted by Lammy, stating it was a pleasure to welcome the Vance family[7].
The visit also saw JD Vance's family, including his three children, visiting Ayrshire, the same area where Donald Trump recently stayed[8]. However, Vance's family will not be staying at Trump Turnberry, the luxury Ayrshire resort owned by Donald Trump[9].
The potential visit by JD Vance to Scotland has prompted police preparations. Up to 1,000 police officers may be deployed for Vance's visit, according to Police Scotland, although details would be for the White House to comment on[10].
This context shows Vance’s concerns are part of broader diplomatic and human rights debates about the balance between regulating speech and protecting free expression in Western democracies in 2025. The visit has sparked heated discussions about free speech, censorship, and the role of government in regulating online content.
Key points:
- JD Vance expressed concerns about free speech infringements affecting American tech companies and citizens.
- The meeting between JD Vance and David Lammy was not commented on by David Lammy.
- JD Vance's three-year-old daughter asked about seeing David Lammy's daughter.
- JD Vance kept his criticism about free speech in the UK low key during his visit.
- JD Vance expressed gratitude towards the people of England for the beautiful estate at Chevening.
- Sir Keir Starmer interjected, stating that the UK has had free speech for a long time and is proud of it.
- JD Vance's family is likely to visit Ayrshire, the same area where Donald Trump recently stayed.
- JD Vance's family will not be staying at Trump Turnberry, the luxury Ayrshire resort owned by Donald Trump.
- Up to 1,000 police officers may be deployed for JD Vance's visit to Scotland.
- The visit has sparked heated discussions about free speech, censorship, and the role of government in regulating online content.
- JD Vance, during his diplomatic visit to the UK, cautioned against the potential loss of free speech, expressing particular concern about the Online Safety Act 2023 and Scotland’s Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2024, which he sees as contributing to a decline in free speech protections.
- Despite expressing concerns about free speech in the UK, Vance's meeting with the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, was not publicly commented on by either party, although a photo of them fishing together was posted by Lammy.
- Vance's family, including his three children, are expected to visit Ayrshire, the same area where Donald Trump recently stayed, but they will not be staying at Trump Turnberry, the luxury resort owned by Trump.
- The potential visit by Vance to Scotland has prompted police preparations, with up to 1,000 police officers estimated to be deployed.
- Amidst heated discussions about free speech, censorship, and government regulation of online content, Sir Keir Starmer interjected, affirming the UK's long-standing commitment to free speech and pride in its protection.
