A Christian cabinet minister has expressed disagreement with JD Vance’s assertion that the «basic liberties of religious Britons» are in jeopardy.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, speaking on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, emphasized that the UK and America do not have to see eye-to-eye on every issue following Vance’s critical remarks about the UK and Europe.
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During his speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Vance claimed that the erosion of conscience rights has endangered the fundamental freedoms of religious Britons. He also expressed concerns about the retreat of free speech in Britain and across Europe.
Responding to Vance’s statements, Reynolds stated: «We don’t have to agree on everything, and I believe that’s an area where we differ.
«As a Christian myself, I can attest that no one is being compelled by the state for engaging in prayer in this country.»
In his address, Vance referenced the case of Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old who received a conditional discharge for violating a safe zone around an abortion clinic in Bournemouth.
Safe zones outside abortion clinics aim to prevent anti-abortion activists from distributing leaflets, holding vigils, or displaying graphic images near the facilities.
Advocates of these zones argue that women visiting a clinic may feel intimidated and distressed by the mere presence of individuals praying in the vicinity, even if they are not speaking. However, critics contend that such regulations undermine the rights to freedom of religion and expression.
Reynolds emphasized that ensuring access to abortion free from intimidation or harassment is a fundamental British value.
His remarks contrasted with those of Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who warned in the Sunday Telegraph that free speech is under threat due to laws overstepping boundaries and regulating individuals’ opinions.
She did not directly address the issue of safe zones but broadly criticized «cancel culture».
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel echoed similar sentiments when addressing Vance’s speech, noting her own experiences as home secretary in grappling with challenges to free speech, particularly on university campuses where certain groups, individuals, and organizations were silenced.
When asked if she agreed with Vance, she stated to Trevor Phillips: «I agree that many [countries] face this challenge. We must continue to defend free speech.»
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Vance’s remarks highlight differences between the UK and US, particularly regarding Europe and defense.
Despite these disparities, ministers are striving to maintain positive relations with President Donald Trump amidst his threats of a global tariff war.
During his conversation with Trevor Phillips, Reynolds downplayed any divisions with the US concerning the future of Ukraine.
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«It’s premature to discuss divisions among allies at this stage.» «A Christian cabinet minister has said he strongly disagrees with JD Vance’s claim that ‘basic liberties of religious Britons’ are under threat,» Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, emphasizing that the UK could play a crucial role as a «bridge between European allies and our US allies» to strengthen that relationship. «I would strongly push back against that,» stated Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in response to JD Vance’s claim that the «basic liberties of religious Britons» are under threat. He emphasized that while the UK and America may not agree on everything, there is potential for the UK to serve as a bridge between European allies and US allies to strengthen their relationship.
Mr. Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Conference in Germany raised concerns about the erosion of conscience rights and free speech in the UK and Europe. He specifically mentioned the case of Adam Smith-Connor, who breached a safe zone around an abortion clinic in Bournemouth. These safe zones are established to protect women seeking abortion services from intimidation and harassment by anti-abortion campaigners.
While Mr. Reynolds acknowledged the importance of protecting women’s access to abortion free from intimidation, he also defended the right to free speech and freedom of religion. He emphasized that in the UK, individuals are not subject to state enforcement for praying, highlighting a distinction from Mr. Vance’s assertions.
In contrast, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed concerns about the overreach of laws in policing people’s opinions, stating that free speech is under threat. She criticized what she referred to as «cancel culture» and emphasized the need to protect freedom of expression.
Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel echoed similar sentiments, citing her experiences as home secretary in addressing free speech issues. She highlighted instances of censorship on university campuses and emphasized the ongoing challenges in defending free speech.
The diverging views on free speech and religious liberties between the UK and the US reflect broader divisions on various issues, including Europe and defense. As the UK navigates these differences, there is also a concerted effort to maintain positive relations with President Donald Trump amid threats of a global tariff war.
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