Sir Keir Starmer Challenges JD Vance’s Assertion on ‘Free Speech Infringements’ | Political News

Sir Keir Starmer has challenged JD Vance after the US Vice President asserted there are “infringements on free speech” occurring in the UK.

The Prime Minister is currently in Washington for discussions with US President Donald Trump, with both leaders responding to questions from reporters during their meeting in the Oval Office on Thursday.

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Mr. Vance was also in attendance and was asked by his superior to elaborate on his recent assertions that free speech is “deteriorating” in the UK and Europe, citing a “backside” of rights impacting religious Britons.

He reiterated his position, arguing that this issue impacts US tech firms and, consequently, American citizens.

He stated: “We certainly maintain a special relationship with our allies in the UK and throughout Europe, but we also recognize there have been violations of free speech that impact not just the British; what they do in their own country is their prerogative, but it also affects American technology companies and, consequently, American citizens.”

“So, that’s an issue we will discuss over lunch.”

Sir Keir interposed, asserting, “We’ve had free speech for a considerable time, it will endure, and we take great pride in that.”

When asked if he disagreed, he replied: “No. I mean, certainly we wouldn’t want to interfere in the US; we don’t, and that’s completely appropriate. In relation to free speech in the UK, I take immense pride in our historical stance.”

Sir Keir also stepped in when Mr. Trump reiterated his claim that European countries “recover their money” provided to Ukraine amid the conflict with Russia.

The Prime Minister remarked: “We’re not retrieving all of ours. A substantial portion was given as aid. There were some loans, but predominantly, it was actually gifted.”

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the same assertion during a meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday, placing his hand on Mr. Trump’s arm during the intervention.

Earlier on Thursday, cabinet minister Steve Reed was questioned by journalists if Sir Keir would mirror Mr. Macron’s example and correct the US president in real-time if he made false statements, suggesting he would not intervene.

Mr. Reed informed a press gallery lunch in parliament: “I don’t believe it’s the Prime Minister’s role during such visits to fact-check, as you suggest, his host… It’s the responsibility of the British Prime Minister to advocate for the UK’s interests in a manner that is most likely to yield the desired outcomes.”

Sir Keir is in Washington to express his wish for a US security guarantee for any peace agreement regarding Ukraine.

The meeting commenced with the Prime Minister presenting the President with an invitation from King Charles for a state visit to the UK.

A press conference is anticipated in which they will likely disclose details of their discussions related to the Ukraine conflict and trade.