US says UK human rights have worsened in past year

The U.S. State Department has issued a report criticizing the state of human rights in the United Kingdom over the past year. The report highlights concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression, particularly in the aftermath of the Southport attacks, and the implementation of abortion buffer zones. The report argues that the UK government's response to the Southport attacks has led to a concerning erosion of civil liberties, with increased surveillance and restrictions on public gatherings. It also expresses concern about the introduction of abortion buffer zones, which it claims have infringed on the right to freedom of expression. The report acknowledges the UK's ongoing efforts to address human rights concerns, such as the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting vulnerable groups. However, it suggests that more needs to be done to ensure that the UK's human rights record is in line with international standards. The report is likely to fuel ongoing debates about the balance between national security and individual freedoms in the UK, as well as the appropriate scope of reproductive rights.