US report on human rights in the UK highlights increased antisemitic violence

A Trump administration report has accused the UK of backsliding on human rights over the past year, citing increased antisemitic violence and growing restrictions on free speech.

The annual US State Department assessment, which analyses human rights conditions worldwide, flagged what it described as “serious restrictions” on freedom of expression in the UK.

“The government sometimes took credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses, but prosecution and punishment for such abuses was inconsistent,” the report read.

The report specifically said laws limiting speech around abortion clinics, pointing to “safe access zones” curbed expression, including silent protests and prayer.

“These restrictions on freedom of speech could include prohibitions on efforts to influence others when inside a restricted area, even through prayer or silent protests,” the report read.

In the wake of the 2024 Southport attack, the report said government officials “repeatedly intervened to chill speech”.

Criticism over the handling of free speech was also directed at the governments of Germany and France.

The US state department report said local and national government officials had “repeatedly intervened to chill speech”.

State department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, without naming the UK specifically, said online restrictions had targeted “disfavoured voices on political or religious grounds.”

“No matter really how disagreeable someone’s speech may be, criminalising it or silencing it by force only serves as a catalyst for further hatred, suppression or polarisation,” Bruce told reporters.

A UK government spokesperson said: “Free speech is vital for democracy around the world, including here in the UK and we are proud to uphold freedoms whilst keeping our citizens safe.