JD Vance Pushes for Review of UK Speech Laws in Trade Talks

17.04.2025

As trade negotiations between the United States and the United Kingdom progress, Vice President JD Vance has reportedly made the UK’s hate speech and online safety laws a key issue. According to The Independent, Vance wants Britain to reassess these laws before a trade agreement can move forward, citing concerns over free speech rights.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the Online Safety Act and related digital regulations are being discussed in the context of trade. While the White House has not yet issued a statement, Vance has repeatedly raised concerns about restrictions on speech in the UK and Europe.

In February, at the Munich Security Conference, Vance referenced cases like that of Adam Smith-Connor, who was charged for silently praying near an abortion facility, as examples of what he sees as threats to free expression.

The UK’s Online Safety Act, introduced in 2023, aims to protect users—particularly children—from harmful content. Critics, however, argue that it gives too much power to authorities to police speech. In 2023 alone, over 12,000 people were arrested for online messages deemed offensive, according to The Times.

Former Prime Minister Liz Truss has also voiced opposition to current UK speech laws and is expected to launch a free speech initiative later this year.

While Prime Minister Starmer maintains that the UK has a long tradition of free speech, Vance’s stance signals that First Amendment-style protections may become a sticking point in future US-UK relations.

Trade talks continue, but no timeline has been set for a final agreement.