The Trump administration has accused the United Kingdom of falling behind on human rights over the past year. In its annual review of human rights around the world, the US State Department pointed to rising antisemitic violence and “serious restrictions” on free speech in the UK.
The report highlighted new laws that limit protests around abortion clinics and criticized the UK government for trying to “chill speech” online after the 2024 Southport attack.
It noted that while the UK sometimes punished officials who committed human rights abuses, this was not done consistently. The “safe access zones” around abortion clinics were singled out, as they ban even silent protests or prayer near the clinics.
The report also criticized Germany and France for how they regulate online hate speech.
A UK government spokesperson responded by saying:
“Free speech is vital for democracy around the world, including here in the UK, and we are proud to uphold freedoms while keeping our citizens safe.”
The Trump administration has changed the report format, scaling back sections on government corruption and LGBTQ+ rights, while being softer on close US allies like Israel and El Salvador. At the same time, it increased criticism of countries seen as rivals, such as Brazil and South Africa.
Vice President JD Vance has made similar complaints before. Earlier this year, he spoke out about the conviction of Adam Smith-Connor, a former soldier who silently prayed outside an abortion clinic in Bournemouth in 2022, breaking safe zone rules.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Vance said that the UK seemed to be losing “basic liberties of religious Britons” and that there had been a “backslide in conscience rights.”
While vacationing in the Cotswolds, Vance met with British officials, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, to discuss global issues like the conflict in Gaza.
The report also noted that the UK generally enforces laws protecting the right to form associations and workers’ rights.
