Fury as JD Vance attacks European leaders in anti-immigration rant at Munich conference

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ellie Chowns, the party’s parliamentary spokesperson on foreign affairs said: “US vice-president JD Vance's use of the Munich Security Conference to lambast allies rather than focus on the real chaos-makers in the world is sadly predictable but no less bizarre and dangerous for that. “The UK should have no part of that and should work with others to protect international frameworks and institutions that support co-operation and the rule of law.” Mr Vance said security usually means “threats to our external security”, but that while Donald Trump is concerned with European security, the threat he worries the most about in Europe “is not Russia, is not China, is not any other external actor”. He was sentenced to pay thousands of pounds in legal costs to the prosecution… in Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.” open image in gallery JD Vance met David Lammy at the conference The speech came before a meeting with UK foreign secretary David Lammy, at which the pair are expected to discuss Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. He added: “We are committed to increasing defence and encourage our friends across Europe to do the same, and of course we have got important issues to discuss on Ukraine and how we support Ukraine at this difficult moment, and also broader issues of UK-US security.” Mr Vance said: “Honestly, we have a lot in common, and the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States will remain very strong.