Lidewij de Vos Questions Minister on UK Entry Refusal of Eva Vlaardingerbroek and Broader Free Speech Concerns

On 14 January Lidewij de Vos submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding yet another violation of freedom of expression by our neighbouring country, the consequences for Dutch nationals in the United Kingdom, and the diplomatic actions to be taken.

Questions from MP De Vos (FVD) to the Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding reports that a Dutch opinion maker has been denied entry to the United Kingdom because of her views

1. Are you aware of the report that Dutch opinion maker Eva Vlaardingerbroek has been denied entry to the United Kingdom because “her presence is not considered conducive to the public good”, just days after she posted a critical tweet about British Prime Minister Starmer?
    
2. Do you agree with the questioner that freedom of expression is a fundamental value, and that we also expect our neighbouring countries and allies, such as the United Kingdom, to uphold and protect this achievement? If not, why not? If so, do you acknowledge that denying a person entry to a country because of an expressed opinion, whether or not about the prime minister of that country, constitutes a flagrant violation of freedom of expression?
    
3. Do you consider it compatible with the principles of the rule of law that the person who was denied entry, in this case Ms Vlaardingerbroek, has no possibility to lodge an objection against the decision taken? Please explain your answer.
    
4. Have you already requested an explanation from the British government and/or the British ambassador regarding why Ms Vlaardingerbroek was denied entry to the United Kingdom? If so, what was their response?
    
5. If the answer to question 4 is negative, why have you not yet done so, and are you prepared to call the British government and/or ambassador to account on this matter?
    
6. Do you expect that this entry restriction will have consequences for other Dutch nationals who have expressed critical or non-positive views about the government of the United Kingdom on social media? If not, why not? If so, what action will you take?
    
7. Are you aware of recent reports that British police arrest many thousands of people each year, approximately thirty per day, for expressing their opinions in allegedly offensive statements on social media and other platforms?
    
8. What does the situation described in question 7 mean, in your view, for (the freedom of expression of) Dutch nationals who are staying in the United Kingdom, are there on holiday, or live there for reasons such as work?
    
9. Do you believe that the travel advice for the United Kingdom should be amended, now that we are seeing freedom of expression increasingly restricted and people even facing or receiving prison sentences for expressing their opinions? Please explain your answer.
    
10. Can you answer these questions as soon as possible and separately from one another?