Nigel Farage has posted a photo of himself with Donald Trump during his visit to Washington. The Reform UK leader shared the image on X, showing him standing next to the US president behind the famous Resolute desk in the Oval Office.
The Clacton MP was in the US capital to give evidence to the House Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill. His post included the caption: "It's good to be back in the Oval Office."
Democrat criticism emerges
Democrat representative Jamie Raskin launched a scathing attack on Farage during the proceedings. He dubbed the Reform leader a "Putin-loving free speech impostor and Trump sycophant" before the hearing began.
Raskin urged Farage to raise his concerns in the UK Parliament instead. The congressman said: "He should go and advance the positions he's taking here in Congress today, in Parliament, which is meeting today, if he's serious about it."
Farage compares UK to North Korea
During Wednesday's hearing, Farage made controversial comparisons about British civil liberties. He likened Britain to North Korea over the UK's approach to free speech and civil rights.
Farage cited specific cases to support his argument. He referenced the arrest of Irish writer Linehan for social media comments about transgender people and the jailing of Lucy Connolly, a former childminder and Conservative councillor's wife, for stirring up racial hatred against asylum seekers following the Southport murders.
Trade sanctions row denied
Farage denied suggesting that Washington should threaten the UK with trade sanctions. He faced scrutiny over his previous comments about the White House using "diplomacy and trade" in battles over free speech.
Responding to Raskin's criticism, Farage said: "I'm delighted to be acquainted with the charming Mr Raskin - delightful testimony you gave me earlier on with your speech. But hey, that's fine. You can say what you like, I don't care, because that's what free speech is."
Starmer attacks absence from Parliament
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) criticised Farage's absence from Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. He said the "honourable member for Clacton is not here representing his constituency, in the House he was elected to".
Starmer accused Farage of flying "to America to badmouth and talk down our country" and suggesting Americans impose sanctions on the UK. He added: "You cannot get more unpatriotic than that, it's a disgrace."
Farage rejected the Prime Minister's characterisation of his comments. He said: "No, I'm not - that was a falsehood put out by the British Prime Minister today."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
