Freedom of Speech
US Vice President JD Vance criticises UK over free speech
The US Vice President JD Vance has warned that free speech is under real threat across Europe as he cited examples from the UK.
Speaking at the Security Conference in Munich, Vance stunned delegates with a pointed and highly critical speech, saying "free speech, I fear, is in retreat"
He highlighted the case of pro-life activist Adam Smith-Connor who was convicted last year of praying silently near an abortion provider.
Reflecting his concerns for Europe, the recently elected US Vice President said:
…perhaps most concerning, I look to our very dear friends, the United Kingdom, where the backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular in the crosshairs. A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith Connor, a 51 year old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50m from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes, not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own.
In November 2022, Smith-Connor was confronted by police officers who asked 'what is the nature of your prayer?'.
He was standing in a buffer zone area in which authorities have banned expressions of pro-life convictions.
Mr Smith-Connor was charged, prosecuted and convicted at Poole Magistrates Court in October 2024. He is appealing his conviction.
Across England and Wales, a nationwide buffer zone policy is in force, banning 'influence' within 150 metres of every abortion facility.
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