The UK government has said it remains firmly committed to the principle of free speech following the United States’ decision to impose visa bans on several European campaigners, including individuals based in Britain.

The statement came amid growing political scrutiny in London after Washington barred a small group of activists accused by US authorities of seeking to pressure American technology companies over content moderation and online speech.

Speaking on behalf of the government, a UK minister emphasised that freedom of expression is a foundational value in Britain’s democratic system and that the government continues to support robust debate, lawful advocacy and the exchange of ideas across borders.

At the same time, ministers acknowledged that visa policy is a matter of national sovereignty and that decisions taken by the US government fall within its own legal framework.

The response follows criticism from some British lawmakers who argue that excluding campaigners on the basis of their views risks setting a troubling precedent and could chill international dialogue on digital governance and regulation.

The US administration has defended the bans as a necessary step to protect free expression in the United States, asserting that the targeted individuals were involved in efforts perceived as undermining lawful speech on American platforms.

The episode has highlighted broader differences between the UK, Europe and the US over how best to address online harms, misinformation and the power of large technology companies, while UK officials have sought to strike a careful balance between defending free speech at home and maintaining close diplomatic relations with Washington.