Donald Trump has sent a team of US officials to the UK to investigate concerns over freedom of speech restrictions, particularly regarding pro-life activists who have been arrested for silent protests outside abortion clinics.
A five-person team from the US state department spent several days in Britain interviewing campaigners to report back to the White House.
The fact-finding mission was launched after Washington became concerned about the erosion of free speech in the UK.
The diplomats from the US bureau of democracy, human rights and labor travelled to London in March to "affirm the importance of freedom of expression in the UK and across Europe".
During their visit, the US team met with five British activists who had been arrested for silently praying outside abortion clinics across the country (stock pic)
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The delegation was led by Samuel Samson, a senior adviser in the state department.
During their visit, the US team met with five British activists who had been arrested for silently praying outside abortion clinics across the country, the Telegraph reports.
The US officials met with Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, Rose Docherty, Adam Smith-Connor, Livia Tossici-Bolt and Father Sean Gough, a Catholic priest, who shared their experiences of being detained while silently praying.
Docherty, a 74-year-old grandmother, has become a particularly notable case.
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The activists' accounts appear to have formed a central part of the US delegation's investigation into what they perceive as threats to freedom of expression in Britain (stock pic)
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She was the first person to be arrested and charged under new legislation creating buffer zones outside hospitals and clinics providing abortions in Scotland.
Her arrest took place outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow in February.
The activists' accounts appear to have formed a central part of the US delegation's investigation into what they perceive as threats to freedom of expression in Britain.
These meetings took place at what was described as a "nondescript" office block, away from public attention.
Donald Trump and his administration have taken a keen interest in free speech in Britain
Ben Leo
The US delegation also met with officials from the Foreign Office during their visit and challenged Ofcom regarding the Online Safety Act, which is reportedly a point of contention within the White House.
Elon Musk is said to be among those in the administration concerned about online regulation in the UK.
