Picture courtesy of BBC

 

A recent US report has slammed the UK for allegedly eroding human rights over the past year. The US State Department’s annual survey, released under the Trump administration, takes aim at supposed restrictions on free speech and rising antisemitic threats in Britain.

 

The lengthy report casts a harsh light on the UK compared to other European countries like France and Germany, highlighting a concerning trend in the age of social media. The US claims that while the UK government “generally respected” free speech, specific restrictions on what is deemed “hateful” or “offensive” political speech have raised alarms.

 

Reacting swiftly, a UK spokesperson defended the nation’s stance, stating that free speech is integral to democracy and assuring citizens that their freedoms remain safeguarded. Speaking from the idyllic Cotswolds, US Vice President JD Vance described free speech across Europe as “in retreat”, pinpointing the UK as a nation losing grip on basic liberties.

 

A chilling example cited in the report revolves around the UK government's response to a brutal crime in Southport, where misinformation led to anti-immigration riots. The government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was accused of repressing speech regarding the identity and motives of the attacker, Axel Rudakubana. In the aftermath, existing laws were used to curb speech considered “indecent or grossly offensive”.

 

The government responded forcefully to the riots, making nearly 2,000 arrests and filing over 1,000 charges, which fuelled accusations of its heavy-handedness. Critics argued this move stifled conservative voices, pointing to a July case where Lee Joseph Dunn was imprisoned for posting a controversial meme linking migrants to knife crime.

 

Dunn’s conviction was not isolated. Lucy Connolly also faced severe punishment for incendiary posts calling for the mass deportation of immigrants. Her actions, labelled as inflammatory, ignited debates on balancing public safety with free speech, reported CNN.

 

Vance criticised the UK’s approach during his discussions with UK Foreign Minister David Lammy, expressing fears of countries following what he termed a “dark path” of censorship, reflecting back on the previous US administration's struggles with free speech.

 

In response, British critics have hit back, citing instances under the Trump administration where free speech faced challenges. The State Department’s report and Vance’s observations have ignited a heated international debate on human rights and the delicate balance between upholding freedom and ensuring public safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-15

 

Rich coming from the fascist Trump regime who pressured the cancellation of a  very high rated late night tv show (Colbert) because of it's sharp criticism of their regime. Ignore all such noise coming from the US now. They only want "free speech" for voices that mirror their extremist maga ideology abroad. The current U.S. government has no moral authority whatsoever to lecture any other nation on matters such as free speech, civil liberties, rule of law, and democracy.

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Picture courtesy of BBC

 

A recent US report has slammed the UK for allegedly eroding human rights over the past year. The US State Department’s annual survey, released under the Trump administration, takes aim at supposed restrictions on free speech and rising antisemitic threats in Britain.

 

The lengthy report casts a harsh light on the UK compared to other European countries like France and Germany, highlighting a concerning trend in the age of social media. The US claims that while the UK government “generally respected” free speech, specific restrictions on what is deemed “hateful” or “offensive” political speech have raised alarms.

 

Reacting swiftly, a UK spokesperson defended the nation’s stance, stating that free speech is integral to democracy and assuring citizens that their freedoms remain safeguarded. Speaking from the idyllic Cotswolds, US Vice President JD Vance described free speech across Europe as “in retreat”, pinpointing the UK as a nation losing grip on basic liberties.

 

A chilling example cited in the report revolves around the UK government's response to a brutal crime in Southport, where misinformation led to anti-immigration riots. The government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was accused of repressing speech regarding the identity and motives of the attacker, Axel Rudakubana. In the aftermath, existing laws were used to curb speech considered “indecent or grossly offensive”.

 

The government responded forcefully to the riots, making nearly 2,000 arrests and filing over 1,000 charges, which fuelled accusations of its heavy-handedness. Critics argued this move stifled conservative voices, pointing to a July case where Lee Joseph Dunn was imprisoned for posting a controversial meme linking migrants to knife crime.

 

Dunn’s conviction was not isolated. Lucy Connolly also faced severe punishment for incendiary posts calling for the mass deportation of immigrants. Her actions, labelled as inflammatory, ignited debates on balancing public safety with free speech, reported CNN.

 

Vance criticised the UK’s approach during his discussions with UK Foreign Minister David Lammy, expressing fears of countries following what he termed a “dark path” of censorship, reflecting back on the previous US administration's struggles with free speech.

 

In response, British critics have hit back, citing instances under the Trump administration where free speech faced challenges. The State Department’s report and Vance’s observations have ignited a heated international debate on human rights and the delicate balance between upholding freedom and ensuring public safety.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-08-15

 

pot calling the kettle black?

Stark difference between these two countries now and the leadership. The UK needs revolution because by 2029 it will be over for them

1 hour ago, Jingthing said:

Rich coming from the fascist Trump regime who pressured the cancellation of a  very high rated late night tv show (Colbert) because of it's sharp criticism of their regime.

 

This is not fact but your personal opinion.

Any rise of antisemitism is a direct result of Israels actions.

Flame removed under Forum Rule #3

 

 

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Speaking from the idyllic Cotswolds, US Vice President JD Vance described free speech across Europe as “in retreat”, pinpointing the UK as a nation losing grip on basic liberties.

So perhaps he should leave the idyllic Cotswolds and bugger off back to the land of the free - taking his Secret Service, excessive motorcade and obtrusive security blanket with him, thus restoring the inhabitants basic liberties.

 

After all our King seems to manage with an (admittedly very smart) car and an unobtrusive escort!

2 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Rich coming from the fascist Trump regime who pressured the cancellation of a  very high rated late night tv show (Colbert) because of it's sharp criticism of their regime. Ignore all such noise coming from the US now. They only want "free speech" for voices that mirror their extremist maga ideology abroad. The current U.S. government has no moral authority whatsoever to lecture any other nation on matters such as free speech, civil liberties, rule of law, and democracy.

The financial picture has only gotten gloomier since then. Guideline, an ad data firm, estimates that the networks’ late-night shows earned $439 million in ad revenue in 2018 and only $220 million in 2024 — a decline of 50 percent.

 

You can't blame Trump for everything.

6 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

The financial picture has only gotten gloomier since then. Guideline, an ad data firm, estimates that the networks’ late-night shows earned $439 million in ad revenue in 2018 and only $220 million in 2024 — a decline of 50 percent.

 

You can't blame Trump for everything.

 

Of course they can.  But the truth is that Colbert's show was losing $40 million a year when the parent company is negotiating a merger. 

 

Assuming a modest P/E ratio of 10:1, that means Colbert's show was costing the shareholders $400 million.  Ouch.

 

15 minutes ago, EVENKEEL said:

 

You can't blame Trump for everything.

 

They will try.

Who cares what a Fascist Regime and their Dictator tells us after they have killed the Democracy and free Speech in their Country. In the EU you can say whatever you want, ok may be not in Hungary, and all is much more advanced than in the US.

5 minutes ago, UWEB said:

Who cares what a Fascist Regime and their Dictator tells us after they have killed the Democracy and free Speech in their Country. In the EU you can say whatever you want, ok may be not in Hungary, and all is much more advanced than in the US.

 

Absurd. How many people in the USA have been put in jail for speech ?

Starmer's war on free speech has been deeply troubling. He is a tyrant. 

 

Fortunately it is failing as people are speaking up more than ever.  

 

Thanks to the US for putting this in the global headlines. 

1 hour ago, blaze master said:

 

Absurd. How many people in the USA have been put in jail for speech ?

Good point, of course the USA has a written constitution, unlike the UK, and the !st amendment guarantees free speech amongst other things.

9 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Starmer's war on free speech has been deeply troubling. He is a tyrant. 

 

Fortunately it is failing as people are speaking up more than ever.  

 

Thanks to the US for putting this in the global headlines. 

Yes indeed, it takes a leader with balls, unlike Starmer, to call out what is happening in the UK.

13 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Starmer's war on free speech has been deeply troubling. He is a tyrant. 

 

Fortunately it is failing as people are speaking up more than ever.  

 

Thanks to the US for putting this in the global headlines. 

Not any reason to say thank you to US anymore.

13 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Not any reason to say thank you to US anymore.

 

Trump, Vance and (previously) Musk have all spoken out about it and embarrassed Starmer on a global scale.

 

That is very much a reason to say thankyou.

 

He has also provided the blueprint for stopping illegal immigration when Reform get in. 

4 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Rich coming from the fascist Trump regime who pressured the cancellation of a  very high rated late night tv show (Colbert) because of it's sharp criticism of their regime. Ignore all such noise coming from the US now. They only want "free speech" for voices that mirror their extremist maga ideology abroad. The current U.S. government has no moral authority whatsoever to lecture any other nation on matters such as free speech, civil liberties, rule of law, and democracy.

You must live in a dreamworld, like Starmer, that lacks any reality.

 

President Trump operates within democratic systems, backed by millions of voters, and champions free speech. 

 

CBS canceled The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in July 2025, set to end in May 2026, due to financial reasons. The network cited a declining late-night advertising market, with the show losing an estimated $40 million annually.

 

Starmer lied directly to the face of President Trump and JD Vance. The Blackbelt Barrister has said there is unequivocal evidence that free speech is being curtailed.

 

8 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Trump, Vance and (previously) Musk have all spoken out about it and embarrassed Starmer on a global scale.

 

That is very much a reason to say thankyou.

 

He has also provided the blueprint for stopping illegal immigration when Reform get in. 

Trump, Vance and Musk seem to be your Idols. Good luck with them.

Good that they are far away.

Maybe UK will see more migrants from US in the future 😳

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Trump, Vance and Musk seem to be your Idols. Good luck with them.

Good that they are far away.

Maybe UK will see more migrants from US in the future 😳

 

Hope they're better quality than Ellen DeGeneres next time. 

 

Rich coming from the fascist Trump regime who pressured the cancellation of a  very high rated late night tv show (Colbert) because of it's sharp criticism of their regime. Ignore all such noise coming from the US now. They only want "free speech" for voices that mirror their extremist maga ideology abroad. The current U.S. government has no moral authority whatsoever to lecture any other nation on matters such as free speech, civil liberties, rule of law, and democracy.

 

That's much better, straight to the point and minimising the cancellation of Colbert, who was getting beyond his sell-by date anyway. All these left-leaning comedians masquerading as social commentators need to up their game. Or better, just change their tune.

11 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Hope they're better quality than Ellen DeGeneres next time. 

Jimmy Kimmel got already his Italian passport

The US has relenquished all moral authority, and a report like this, which used to mean something, means less than zero now.

 

You behave like a rabid dog and you get treated like one. 

3 hours ago, Bannoi said:

Any rise of antisemitism is a direct result of Israels actions.

Before Israel was given to the Jews they lived in many countries.

Most of these rules had restrictions on what the Jews could do.

I used to think that it was unfair.

 

But now after seeing how they will act if given a free reign it makes me realize that those restrictions were necessary.

 

And they really need to be contained and not let to gain even more territory in Gaza and the Westbank.

 

20 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Maybe UK will see more migrants from US in the future

Please no.

2 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

Please no.

One bought already golf courses. You know...this infamous criminal

3 hours ago, blaze master said:

 

This is not fact but your personal opinion.

Indeed - nobody believes that the same media machine that spent(ds) so much airtime vilifying Trump somehow kowtowed to Trump to cancel a late night show that was dying a slow death in terms of viewership/revenue.

There was recently a story in the UK about the police asking a shopkeeper to remove a sign that called shoplifters "scumbags" because it might be offensive. Agree or disagree with Trump, nobody can deny that the US has actual free speech - the UK has compelled speech (you can say what you want as long as it is not "offensive")

 

5 hours ago, Jingthing said:

Rich coming from the fascist Trump regime who pressured the cancellation of a  very high rated late night tv show (Colbert) because of it's sharp criticism of their regime. 

The show was losing millions of dollars per year.