Farage Criticizes UK’s Censorship at US Congress Hearing

Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, is set to address the US Congress, condemning the United Kingdom as an “illiberal and authoritarian censorship regime.” His remarks will center on the recent arrest of comedian Graham Linehan, who was detained upon his return to the UK for comments made on social media. Farage’s testimony is part of an inquiry into free speech that aims to highlight perceived threats from European regulations.

During his appearance before the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, scheduled for October 3, 2023, Farage will argue that the UK has “lost its way” and that current policies threaten to undermine transatlantic relations. He plans to specifically criticize Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, for its efforts to monitor American online content that is accessible to British citizens. According to Farage, these actions not only harm the UK economy but also place UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at odds with the United States government.

In a statement released ahead of his congressional testimony, Farage stated, “The Graham Linehan case is yet another example of the war on freedom in the UK.” He intends to discuss this case alongside that of Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for incitement over a social media post. Farage emphasized the need for the United States to remain vigilant against restrictions on free speech, urging Congress to consider diplomatic and trade penalties against nations that impose such limitations.

The inquiry, titled “Europe’s Threat to American Speech and Innovation,” focuses on the UK’s Online Safety Act and the potential criminal sanctions it introduces regarding speech. In written evidence submitted to the committee, Farage warned that the Act “risks exporting restrictive standards to the United States that will violate the constitutional rights of American citizens,” particularly those protected under the First Amendment.

Farage will advocate for a direct exemption for US-hosted content and American companies from UK regulatory scrutiny. He suggests that the White House adopt “diplomacy and trade” measures to enforce these recommendations, despite previous assurances made by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to former President Donald Trump in July 2023 that there would be no censorship of US content.

The Reform Party leader’s testimony is expected to draw significant attention as he asserts, “Somewhere on this planet of ours, innovators must remain free to build the next generation of platforms without being hamstrung by illiberal and authoritarian censorship regimes.” He stresses that both American and traditionally British values are at stake in this ongoing battle for free speech.

Farage’s remarks reflect a broader concern about the state of civil liberties in the UK, which he believes has deviated from its foundational principles. He concludes by asserting, “Free speech is a fundamentally British value,” urging lawmakers in the US to acknowledge the differences in free speech protections between the two nations.

As this high-profile hearing approaches, the implications of Farage’s statements could resonate well beyond the halls of Congress, potentially influencing perceptions of the UK’s approach to free speech on the international stage.