US Vice President JD Vance has criticized the UK and other Western nations for relying on “cheap labour” through immigration, which he claims has led to economic stagnation. Speaking at a tech conference in Washington, D.C., Vance argued that countries like Canada and the UK have seen productivity stagnate due to their reliance on imported labour. He suggested that this trend is not coincidental but directly linked to immigration policies.
Vance also criticized the US for its own “40 years of failed economic policy,” which he said has been “addicted to cheap labour.” He defended President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and Europe, arguing that these measures are necessary to protect American jobs and industries. Vance believes that combining tariffs with technological advancements, lower energy costs, and productivity-boosting tools will help rebuild the US manufacturing base and make American products more competitive globally.
The Vice President’s comments come amid ongoing tensions over trade and immigration policies. Vance has been a vocal critic of the UK, particularly its immigration policies, which he claims have betrayed Brexit voters by allowing “millions of unvetted immigrants” into the country. He has also criticized European nations for restricting free speech, citing the arrest of a man in the UK for silently praying outside an abortion clinic.
Vance’s remarks have sparked controversy, particularly his suggestion that the UK and France have not fought a war in 40 years, which overlooks the sacrifices of British troops in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan. His comments reflect a broader debate about the role of immigration, trade, and economic policy in shaping national prosperity, with Vance advocating for a more protectionist approach to safeguard domestic industries and jobs.
