US pushes for UK to scrap 'hate speech' laws for trade agreement, reports say
Washington and London are engaged in negotiations for a tariff agreement. According to a report by the Independent on Wednesday, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is urging the UK government to abolish hate speech laws as part...
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Washington and London are engaged in negotiations for a tariff agreement.
According to a report by the Independent on Wednesday, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is urging the UK government to abolish hate speech laws as part of securing a trade deal between the two nations, based on information from sources close to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
In a recent interview, Vance expressed his admiration for the UK and conveyed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations.
He stated that Washington and London are “working very hard on a trade deal” under the new U.S. tariff regime during an interview with the British website UnHerd on Tuesday.
Nonetheless, sources indicated to the Independent that Vance’s positive outlook on a trade deal “is a way of putting further pressure on the UK over free speech.”
Those sources added, “If a deal does not go through, it makes Labour look bad.”
Vance asserted, “No free speech, no deal. It is as simple as that.”
In response, the UK government has dismissed claims that the U.S. is issuing a free speech ultimatum, with a Downing Street source stating that the subject “is not a feature of the talks.”
The UK’s hate speech laws have resulted in a considerable number of arrests. In 2023, UK police reportedly detained over 12,000 individuals—about 33 per day—due to online messages classified as offensive or distressing under the law, as reported by The Times. Civil liberties advocates contend that these laws are ambiguous and violate free speech.
Vance has also expressed frustration with European leaders for stepping away from democratic values. During a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, he accused them of censoring speech and suppressing opposition parties, warning that the greatest threat to democracy originates from within.
The UK has largely avoided the brunt of the substantial tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this month. It faces a 10% tariff on all goods and 25% on steel, aluminum, and automotive imports. Currently, the two countries are negotiating a new trade agreement during the 90-day hiatus in the tariff increase announced by the Trump administration.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
According to a report by the Independent on Wednesday, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is urging the UK government to abolish hate speech laws as part of securing a trade deal between the two nations, based on information from sources close to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
In a recent interview, Vance expressed his admiration for the UK and conveyed optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations.
He stated that Washington and London are “working very hard on a trade deal” under the new U.S. tariff regime during an interview with the British website UnHerd on Tuesday.
Nonetheless, sources indicated to the Independent that Vance’s positive outlook on a trade deal “is a way of putting further pressure on the UK over free speech.”
Those sources added, “If a deal does not go through, it makes Labour look bad.”
Vance asserted, “No free speech, no deal. It is as simple as that.”
In response, the UK government has dismissed claims that the U.S. is issuing a free speech ultimatum, with a Downing Street source stating that the subject “is not a feature of the talks.”
The UK’s hate speech laws have resulted in a considerable number of arrests. In 2023, UK police reportedly detained over 12,000 individuals—about 33 per day—due to online messages classified as offensive or distressing under the law, as reported by The Times. Civil liberties advocates contend that these laws are ambiguous and violate free speech.
Vance has also expressed frustration with European leaders for stepping away from democratic values. During a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, he accused them of censoring speech and suppressing opposition parties, warning that the greatest threat to democracy originates from within.
The UK has largely avoided the brunt of the substantial tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this month. It faces a 10% tariff on all goods and 25% on steel, aluminum, and automotive imports. Currently, the two countries are negotiating a new trade agreement during the 90-day hiatus in the tariff increase announced by the Trump administration.
Emily Johnson for TROIB News
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