Overview

• In a Fox News interview, the U.S. vice-president said people should oppose those who argue national flags should not be flown.
• He referenced the Operation Raise the Colours campaign after councils in Birmingham and Tower Hamlets removed flags from bridges and lampposts.
• He told Foreign Secretary David Lammy this month that the UK risks a “very dark path” on censorship and said such policies would affect American tech firms and citizens.
• Vance has pointed to the Adam Smith‑Connor case to argue the UK is backsliding on conscience rights.
• Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded by defending Britain’s record, saying the country has long upheld free speech and remains proud of it.