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Sir Keir Starmer The UK’s prospects of negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States have been dealt a new setback following statements from officials expressing concern over freedom of speech in Britain.
On Sunday evening, the U.S. State Department released a statement concerning an incident involving an anti-abortion activist. A subsequent remark from a source implied that 'free speech cannot be compromised in discussions about free trade.'
The statement indicated that they were 'closely following' the case involving Livia Tossici-Bolt, who faced prosecution for displaying a sign outside a Bournemouth abortion clinic which stated: 'Here to talk if you want.'
The judgment for the case is expected this Friday.
The state department's comment on the case has also been branded unusual as it would not normally comment on the domestic policies of another country.
But a source familiar with trade negotiations told the Telegraph there should be 'no free trade without free speech'.
It comes as Sir Keir has been attempting to strike a deal with the US since Donald Trump declared tariffs on every country.
A telephone conversation between the two leaders took place over the weekend resulted in Number 10 yield on Monday to the likelihood of financial fees impacting Britain.
It isn’t the first instance where a U.S. organization has taken issue with the U.K.’s approach to free speech recently. During Sir Keir’s trip to Washington last month, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed this concern. JD Vance explicitly confronted the prime minister, saying there are 'infringements on free speech' in the UK.
A particular bugbear is understood to be the Online Safety Act, regulating free speech online, as it is expected to levy large fines on US tech companies.
The law has been criticised by free speech advocates home and abroad who argue its broad scope could lead to excessive censorship and deter investment from US tech giants.
A full-blow trade war, with the UK responding in kind to Mr Trump's tariffs, could knock one per cent off GDP and eliminate the Chancellor's financial cushion , the Office for Budget Responsibility had earlier cautioned.
The Prime Minister's spokesperson stated: "There is the OBR's modeling, and as we have mentioned before, a trade conflict with the US would certainly be against everyone's best interest."
We remain engaged in fruitful talks aimed at reaching an agreement with the U.S., yet simultaneously, we’ve made it evident that every possibility remains open. We certainly maintain our right to react and safeguard our sectors. Nonetheless, we aim to adopt a composed and practical stance toward this situation.
I believe that British industries have consistently expressed their desire for the government to engage in discussions with the United States, and this is precisely what we intend to pursue and accomplish.
While speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Mr. Trump informed journalists that the impending tariffs would Apply this to all countries, then. 's see what happens'.
Stock markets Plunged following his comments, as the FTSE 100 in London fell by a significant 1.5%.
Rob Wood from Pantheon Macroeconomics commented, "The global and UK economies are overshadowed by a shape reminiscent of Donald Trump."
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