US State Department Report Says UK’s Human Rights Situation Has Worsened

The US State Department has accused the UK of “serious restrictions” on free speech, warning that the country’s human rights record deteriorated over the past year.

In its annual report, the department highlighted prosecutions of anti-abortion activists, arrests over online posts following the Southport killings, and restrictions on protests.

The document, released while US Vice-President JD Vance was holidaying in the Cotswolds, said:

“The human rights situation worsened in the United Kingdom during the year. Significant human rights issues included credible reports of serious restrictions on freedom of expression, including enforcement of or threat of criminal or civil laws in order to limit expression; and crimes, violence, or threats of violence motivated by antisemitism.”

The report claimed “ordinary Britons” face political censorship as a matter of routine, and criticised the UK’s Online Safety Act for granting Ofcom powers over “online harm” on American websites with UK audiences.

Focus on Southport

The document singled out Britain’s hate speech laws, local council “public space protection orders”, and “safe access zones” near abortion clinics. It cited the conviction of Adam Smith-Connor, a physiotherapist and army veteran, for silently praying outside a Bournemouth clinic in 2022, and arrests over social media posts after the Southport murders.

In one example, a man received an eight-week jail sentence in July for posting a meme linking migrants to knife crime. In October, another was convicted for silent prayer in a “safe zone”.

US officials also drew attention to the case of Lucy Connolly, jailed for urging attacks on hotels housing migrants after the Southport killings. The White House said it was “monitoring” her case, reiterating concerns about “infringements on freedom of expression”.

Political Context

Vance has repeatedly criticised European allies, including the UK, for what he calls a retreat from democratic values, particularly regarding religious freedoms. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in February, he accused Britain of a “backslide in conscience rights” and warned against prosecuting peaceful expressions of belief.

The Biden administration’s foreign policy priorities have shifted under Trump’s “America First” influence. The report offers softer assessments of governments such as Hungary’s, while sharply criticising Germany, France, and Canada for laws seen as limiting free expression.

International Comparisons

Germany is faulted for laws criminalising Holocaust denial and Nazi endorsement; France for strict anti-defamation rules and potential deportations for hate speech; Canada for hate speech laws allowing prison terms of up to two years.

The report maintains strong criticism of Russia for alleged war crimes in Ukraine and domestic human rights abuses, and it also highlights alleged atrocities in China.

The UK government responded:

“Free speech is vital for democracy around the world, including here in the UK and we are proud to uphold freedoms whilst keeping our citizens safe.”

Sir Keir Starmer has told US officials Britain remains committed to free speech, stating to President Trump:

“We’ve had free speech for a very long time, it will last a long time, and we are very proud of that.”