Nigel Farage Testifies Before US Congress Criticizing UK Free Speech Laws

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee to denounce what he called a "war on freedom" in the UK, criticizing British laws like the Online Safety Act for their ambiguity and potential to suppress free speech. He highlighted emblematic cases such as comedian Graham Linehan's arrest for social media posts and Lucy Connolly's imprisonment for comments deemed racially inflammatory, warning these laws could also threaten Americans' rights. Farage urged U.S. politicians and businesses to confront the British government on these free speech issues, though he denied calling for sanctions, favoring dialogue instead. His testimony sparked a heated exchange with Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin, who labeled Farage a "Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant" and challenged his opposition to protests in the UK. Farage defended his stance on free speech but faced criticism from UK politicians, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who accused him of undermining Britain internationally. Separately, Farage said he would intervene in a free speech dispute involving a Reform UK council leader who banned local reporters, signaling his ongoing engagement in free speech controversies both in the UK and abroad.