On 11 June, I wrote to the Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab, to raise my concerns around recent events in the United States, in particular, the treatment of protestors and journalists by American authorities.

In my letter I highlighted the language used by President Trump towards the protestors, which has been incredibly alarming. He has incited hatred and divisions while broadcasting conspiracy theories about protests which we have seen from tyrants in other parts of the world.

I made clear to the government that, to maintain some degree of international credibility, the UK must be unequivocal, it is a fundamental human right to express one’s self and to protest, and under no circumstances should the freedom of speech nor the right to peaceful demonstrations be attacked. Especially in light of recent developments with China and suppression of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong.

As a staunch ally, we owe it to our American allies to remind them of these fundamental human rights.

Below, is the recent response I have received from the FCO. I will continue to monitor developments on this closely.