Trump Visit Highlights Growing Concern Over Free Speech in Britain: Mercedes Schlapp and Alex Phillips on Newsline

This week, President Trump made a historic visit to Windsor Castle, where he attended a state dinner with King Charles III and the British Royal Family. Trump also met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss future collaboration between the United States and the United Kingdom. The meeting highlighted the enduring alliance and friendship between the two nations, focusing on UK investments in the US and a technology partnership encompassing artificial intelligence and nuclear power initiatives. However, the press conference took a turn when a reporter raised the issue of free speech, a polarizing topic in the UK due to instances of social media censorship and, in some cases, arrests for political dissent.

On Newsline, hosted by Bianca de la Garza, CPAC Senior Fellow and former Trump Strategic Senior Advisor Mercedes Schlapp, alongside former Member of the European Parliament Alex Phillips, discussed Trump’s visit and the state of free speech in the UK. Prime Minister Starmer, in the press conference alongside Trump, emphasized his commitment to free speech and freedom of expression, but stressed that he would not tolerate actions that endanger children. “Free speech is a cornerstone of the United Kingdom,” Starmer stated, adding, “I’m all for free speech, but I’m also for protecting children.” Schlapp, however, criticized these remarks as mere political maneuvering, arguing that “actions speak louder than words.” She pointed to instances of extreme censorship in the UK, including the case of a Catholic priest arrested for praying outside an abortion clinic and labeled an extremist. Schlapp emphasized the significance of Trump’s visit in reinforcing the strong US-UK relationship, securing billions in investments, and promoting cooperation on free markets, immigration, and free speech—especially critical as the UK grapples with ongoing threats to free expression that undermine its democratic principles.