US Vice President JD Vance has launched a blistering attack on Britain and European allies, claiming they are suppressing dissent in their own societies.

In what was meant to be a security-focused address, Vance argued that the greatest threat to the West comes not from Russia or China, but from the policing of free speech and what he termed "thoughtcrime".

“In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat," he told the Munich Security Conference.

Vance accused European leaders of crushing legitimate protest and persecuting people across the continent.

He claimed their immigration policies were inviting terror attacks and undermining democracy from within.

Britain faced particularly harsh criticism in Vance's address, with the vice president specifically targeting the country's approach to freedom of speech.

Vance concluded his address with a forceful commitment to protecting freedom of expression, regardless of viewpoint.

"We may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to air them in the public square," the vice president declared.