Global News Podcast - The Global Story: Why Trumpworld is obsessed with free speech in Britain

Download The Global Story: Why Trumpworld is obsessed with free speech in Britain

President Trump is in the UK on a State visit, where he’s been hosted by the royal family and is set to meet with Prime Minister Starmer.

The two leaders appear to have a strong relationship. But there's one big issue that’s become a sticking point between them.

Increasingly, free speech in the United Kingdom is a hot button rallying cry among the conservatives in the United States. Why have Republicans in America become so obsessed with free speech across the Atlantic? Especially when a crackdown on speech is kicking off at home.

This programme includes language which some listeners find offensive.

Every weekday, this is The Global Story. The world is changing. Decisions made in the US and by the second Trump administration are accelerating that change. But they are also a symptom of it. With Asma Khalid in DC, Tristan Redman in London, and the backing of the BBC’s international newsroom, The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Producers: Cat Farnsworth, Viv Jones and Xandra Ellin
Executive producer: Annie Brown and James Shield
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: US President Donald Trump on second state visit to the UK (Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

Archive audio from Father Ted (Credit: Father Ted/Hat Trick Productions/Channel 4)

Published on Sunday, 21st September 2025.

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