U.S. Vice-President JD Vance’s summer trip to the quintessentially British spot the Cotswolds has been heavily criticized by some locals — not least because of heightened security measures, including police roadblocks and check points.
Earlier this week, Vance visited the area as part of a working holiday, which has also included meetings with various U.K. political leaders, such as Foreign Minister David Lammy.
Thames Valley Police were “supporting the United States during the Vice President’s visit to our area to ensure the safety of all involved. A restricted access area has been put in place in a small part of Dean as part of our operation,” a spokesperson said in a statement shared with CNBC.
Footage shared online also appeared to show that roads had been cleared to allow for the passage of Vance’s large motorcade, with a U.K. police escort accompanying the convoy.
The vehicles seem to have been flown across the Atlantic for Vance’s visit, which is common for the U.S. administration according to media reports.
As the U.S. vice president’s journey continued into Scotland, police were once more present — this time watching out for people who had gathered to witness Vance touch down. An extensive motorcade also waited for the U.S. official and his family on the runway.
While heightened security is common when top world officials travel, the measures reportedly implemented in the Cotswolds on this occasion have drawn additional attention. Claims have emerged on social media that residents were asked for their social media accounts and had to provide the names of everyone in their households.
Local police denied the claims, which CNBC could not independently verify.
“We spoke to affected residents to ensure we are able to facilitate movement within the restricted access area. Residents were under no obligation to answer any questions and were not asked about social media,” a spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said.
Vance’s visit to the Cotswolds also gave locals the opportunity to celebrate — by way of a so-called ‘Vance not welcome party.’ A spokesperson for the Stop Trump Coalition, which organized the protest, told CNBC on Wednesday that the gathering of around 80 people — mostly locals — was “joyous,” with a “wonderful” atmosphere.
Protestors were seen holding banners and placards expressing their frustration about Vance and the wider U.S. administration, as well as mocking the vice president. A meme depicting Vance as bald was also incorporated widely, having been printed on balloons and even on a billboard in a nearby town.
The Cotswolds region is popular among politicians and celebrities, with many seemingly drawn to the picturesque landscape for its privacy. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron is a resident, along with various TV personalities, actors and musicians are residents.
Earlier this year, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris was also spotted visiting the region, accompanied by secret service agents, as she attended the wedding of the late Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs’ daughter.
But not all locals see the interest in their home region as a positive. Local news has repeatedly reported concerns about overdevelopment, increased demand for housing and added pressure on infrastructure.
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