WASHINGTON (TNND) — A big free speech battle is developing in the United Kingdom, now involving the United States. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK Party, recently testified on Capitol Hill, discussing how the EU and Great Britain’s online policies impact U.S. speech.
Farage testified before the House Judiciary Committee, warning of what he says is a decline in free speech in the UK. He also shared a warning to Americans about online speech risks, following the arrest of Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan at London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday. Farage said he now has more proof that the UK is moving into what he calls a bad authoritarian situation.
At what point did we become North Korea? I think the Irish comedy writer found that out two days ago,” Farage told lawmakers.
Linehan claims the reason he was arrested was because of multiple anti-transgender social posts from earlier this year. Farage told lawmakers the same thing could happen to any American who goes to Heathrow.
That has said things online that the British government and British police don’t like,” said Farage.
Britain has no codified constitution and no equivalent of the First Amendment. In February, Vice President JD Vance raised concerns about the laws at the Munich Security Conference.
Britain and across Europe, free speech I fear, is in retreat,” Vance told those in attendance.
But during meetings with the United States, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has long stressed that the country has free speech.
We’ve had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom and it will last for a very, very long time,” Starmer said while meeting with President Trump and other cabinet members earlier this year.
During his testimony, Farage also faced hostile questions, including from Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who asked why his Reform UK Party has prevented journalists from attending its events. Farage answered, to his knowledge, that didn’t happen.
After Linehan’s arrest, the head of the Metropolitan Police Department called on the British Government to change or clarify laws that officers must enforce. Adding, they’re being put in an impossible position.