- US Vice-President JD Vance suggests a UK-US trade deal is possible, but sources indicate his concerns about UK hate speech laws remain a significant obstacle.
- Vance's allies say he views the UK's hate speech laws as an erosion of free speech and may demand their repeal as a condition of any trade deal.
- The UK government maintains that hate speech laws are not part of trade negotiations, but the issue appears to be a key sticking point for the US.
- The potential trade deal is focused on future industries like biotech and AI, and aims to remove tariffs, but not force the UK to accept controversial imports like chlorinated chicken.
- Vance's focus on free speech in the trade talks follows other clashes over the issue between the two countries, including disputes over online safety laws and Elon Musk's criticism of the UK government.
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