JD Vance meets Jenrick and Philp in Cotswolds

August 13, 2025

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, while vacationing in the UK's Cotswolds region, held a private meeting with Conservative shadow ministers Robert Jenrick and Chris Philp at his holiday residence. During his UK trip, Vance has engaged in both official meetings, including talks with Foreign Secretary David Lammy about Gaza and international affairs, and social gatherings with various British political figures. Though he met with several Conservative politicians including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, schedules could not align for a meeting with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Who is affected

Residents in the hamlet of Dean in Oxfordshire facing disruption due to road closures and security measures
Local communities near the Cotswolds where Vance is staying
British political figures receiving access to the U.S. Vice President
Vance and his family during their summer vacation

What action is being taken

Vance is holding meetings with British political figures including Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Conservative shadow ministers
Police are enforcing security measures and road closures around Vance's accommodation
Vance and his family are touring cultural sites like Hampton Court Palace
British politicians from various parties are arranging private meetings with the Vice President

Why it matters

The meetings represent diplomatic engagement between U.S. and UK officials during a transitional period for UK politics following a change in government
Vance's choice of meeting with specific politicians like Jenrick, who shares similar policy positions on immigration and free speech, may indicate particular diplomatic or policy interests
The visit precedes Donald Trump's scheduled state visit to the UK next month, potentially setting groundwork for that higher-profile diplomatic event
The meetings occur in an unofficial capacity during what is described as a family vacation rather than a formal state visit

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC