After JD Vance reiterated his comments that there had been ‘infringements’ to free speech in the UK, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hit back at the US Vice President
Keir Starmer hits back after JD Vance’s comment on free speech
Keir Starmer gave JD Vance a fierce response as he defended freedom of speech in the UK during his visit to the White House on Thursday.
During his speech at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month, the US Vice President launched a scalding attack on European democracies, saying the greatest threat facing the continent was not from Russia and China but came “from within” as he accused governments, including the UK, of retreating from their values while ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech. Today, speaking in the Oval Office, just across from Sir Keir, Vance said “we have a special relationship with the UK and our European allies, but there have been infringements on free speech.”
When asked about his comments about free speech by a journalist, Vance reiterated he believed there had been “infringements” in the UK before saying: “We’ll talk about it at lunch.” And Sir Keir jumped in to defend free speech in the UK, saying: “We have had free speech for a very long time. It will last a very long time and I’m very proud of that.”
During a press conference held in the Oval Office, Trump also indicated he would be prepared to back Sir Keir Starmer’s deal to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. The agreement includes a plan to lease back the strategically important US-UK military base on Diego Garcia at British taxpayers’ expense.
The UK has offered Trump an effective veto on the deal because of its implications for US security, and allies of the president have criticised the plan. But Trump, speaking alongside the PM, said: “We’re going to have some discussions about that very soon, and I have a feeling it’s going to work out very well.
“They’re talking about a very long-term, powerful lease, a very strong lease, about 140 years actually. That’s a long time, and I think we’ll be inclined to go along with your country.” Under the plan, the UK is expected to lease Diego Garcia for 99 years, with an option for a 40-year extension.
Talking in front of TV cameras, Sir Keir said the relationship between the US and the UK was “the greatest alliance for prosperity and security … the world has ever seen.” Turning to the PM, Trump said: “You have done very well over the years, haven’t you?”
Sir Keir replied: “We have, I’m very proud of our country – but we’ve also always been there backing each other up. That is why this is the greatest alliance for prosperity and security, I think, the world has ever seen. Whenever necessary, we’ve absolutely backed each other up.” Mr Trump then asked: “Could you take on Russia by yourselves?” Sir Keir smiled and said: “Well…”
Trump was also invited for an unprecedented second state visit by King Charles, with Sir Keir handing the US president a letter from the monarch. Mr Trump was also hosted by the late Queen on a state visit during his first term in office in 2019, but precedent for second-term US presidents who have already made a state visit is usually tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, as was the case for George W Bush and Barack Obama.