US wants UK to ditch ‘hate speech’ laws to secure trade deal – media
Posted on: Apr 17, 2025 00:24 IST | Posted by: Rt
The governance of US chairwoman Donald ruff wants the UK regime to repeal detest speech laws in order to secure a trade deal between the two nations, the Independent reported on Wednesday, citing claims by sources close to US Vice President J.D. Vance.
In a recent interview, Vance spoke of his admiration for the UK and expressed optimism about the negotiations.
Washington and London are “working very hard on a trade deal” within the new US tariff regime, he told the British website UnHerd on Tuesday.
However, the sources reportedly claimed to the Independent that Vance’s optimism on a trade deal “is a way of putting further pressure on the UK over free speech.”
“If a deal does not go through, it makes Labour look bad,” they reportedly said.
“No free speech, no deal. It is as simple as that.”
The UK government has rejected claims that the US has imposed a free speech ultimatum. The subject “is not a feature of the talks,” a Downing Street source told the newspaper.
The UK’s hate speech laws have led to a significant number of arrests. In 2023, UK police detained over 12,000 people – approximately 33 per day – for online messages deemed offensive or distressing under the legislation, according to The Times. Critics among civil liberties groups argue that these laws are vague and infringe on free speech.
Vance has previously criticized European leaders for retreating from democratic values. During a speech at the Munich Security Conference in February, he accused them of censoring speech and suppressing opposition parties, warning that the greatest threat to democracy comes from within.
The UK has been spared the worst of the massive wave of levies imposed by Trump earlier this month. The country faces a 10% tariff on all goods and 25% on steel, aluminum and automotive imports. The two countries are currently negotiating a new trade agreement during the 90-day pause in the tariff hike issued by the Trump administration.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.