US Vice-President claims ‘basic liberties of religious Britons’ are under threat
The US Vice-President, JD Vance, has criticised the UK over a legal case in which a former serviceman was convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Mr Vance suggested that fundamental freedoms, particularly those of religious Britons, are under attack.
The case in question involved 51-year-old Adam Smith-Connor, a physiotherapist and former Army veteran, who was found guilty last year of breaching a public space protection order outside an abortion clinic in Bournemouth in November 2022. Despite denying wrongdoing, he was convicted for failing to comply with regulations designed to protect women’s access to abortion services.
In his speech, Mr Vance expressed concerns about what he described as a “backslide in conscience rights” in the UK. He stated:
“A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith-Connor with the heinous crime of standing 50 metres from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes—not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own.
“After British law enforcement spotted him and demanded to know what he was praying for, Adam replied simply that it was on behalf of the unborn son he and his former girlfriend had aborted years before.
“Now, the officers were not moved—Adam was found guilty of breaking the Government’s new buffer zones law, which criminalises silent prayer and other actions that could influence a person’s decision within 200 metres of an abortion facility.
“He was sentenced to pay thousands of pounds in legal costs to the prosecution… in Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.”
UK abortion clinic buffer zones: A point of contention
In England, buffer zones apply within 150 metres of abortion clinics, while in Scotland, they extend to 200 metres. However, Smith-Connor’s conviction predates the enforcement of the Public Order Act 2023, which introduced nationwide safe access zones following a free vote in Parliament that received cross-party support.
Instead, he was found guilty under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which allows for public space protection orders (PSPOs) that prohibit protests, harassment, and vigils outside clinics.
Supporters of buffer zones argue that women seeking abortion services should not face intimidation or distress, even from silent prayer. Critics, however, claim the law restricts fundamental freedoms, such as the right to religious expression and free speech.
Smith-Connor was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay over £9,000 in court costs and victim surcharge.
Vance’s speech and US Foreign policy concerns
Mr Vance’s speech took place amid growing uncertainty regarding US foreign policy under the Trump administration. His remarks included only a passing reference to the ongoing war in Ukraine, instead focusing largely on his critique of British legal decisions.
“In Washington, there is a new sheriff in town, and under Donald Trump’s leadership, we may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer it in the public square,” Mr Vance said to lukewarm applause.
He also stated that the administration believes “we can come to a reasonable settlement between Russia and Ukraine,” a comment that fuelled concerns over the White House’s stance on the conflict.
Later in the day, Mr Vance was scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in what many hope will clarify the US position on a negotiated end to the war.
His remarks follow former President Donald Trump’s recent declaration that he had agreed to “work together, very closely” with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on beginning peace negotiations.
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UK politicians react to vance’s criticism
British politicians swiftly condemned Mr Vance’s remarks, arguing that the US Vice-President has little standing to lecture the UK on political freedoms.
The Liberal Democrats were particularly scathing, with foreign affairs spokesman Calum Miller MP stating:
“Britain will not take lectures about political freedoms from the acolyte of a president who tried to undermine democracy and now praises Putin. The British people will see straight through this hypocrisy.”
The Green Party also criticised Mr Vance’s decision to use an international security summit to attack the UK rather than focus on broader global threats. Their foreign affairs spokeswoman remarked:
“President Trump’s administration seems determined to usher in a new world where old friends are discarded and new friends are made of dangerous autocrats. The UK should have no part of that and should work with others to protect international frameworks and institutions that support co-operation and the rule of law.”
A growing rift between allies?
Mr Vance’s criticism of UK domestic policies, coupled with his comments on Russia and Ukraine, suggests a shift in US foreign policy priorities under the Trump administration. While the UK and the US have traditionally maintained a close alliance, the Vice-President’s speech in Munich indicates potential tensions ahead, particularly concerning issues of free speech, religious rights, and international security.
As the world watches how the US administration navigates global diplomacy, it remains to be seen whether the special relationship between the UK and the US will weather these challenges—or face further strain in the years to come.
