Tensions Rise in Cotswolds Over JD Vance’s Security Measures

US Vice President JD Vance’s holiday in the Cotswolds has sparked controversy after locals alleged Secret Service agents requested personal and social media details. Police deny the claims, saying residents were not obliged to answer. The incident has fueled debate on privacy and foreign security measures in UK communities.

US Vice President JD Vance’s summer holiday in England’s Cotswolds has stirred unease among residents, with some accusing his security detail of intrusive checks. The Vice President, accompanied by his wife Usha and family, is staying in the idyllic hamlet of Dean, near Chipping Norton, an area known for its quiet charm.

According to several locals, the arrival of Vance’s convoy brought an unusual level of police and security activity, including restricted access zones and vehicle blockades. Some residents allege that Secret Service agents went door-to-door requesting personal details, including names and social media accounts, raising privacy concerns. One villager claimed the agents openly stated the information would be passed to American security officials.

The heavy security presence reportedly disrupted daily life, with parked security vehicles allegedly occupying disabled parking spaces at a popular organic market. For many, the sudden transformation of their peaceful community into a high-security zone was both inconvenient and unsettling.

The allegations have sparked broader criticism over why a foreign security agency might request information from British citizens. While some locals refused to comply, others expressed frustration at what they perceived as overreach.

Thames Valley Police, who are cooperating with the Secret Service during Vance’s visit, have rejected claims of mandatory questioning. They confirmed that a restricted zone was implemented in part of Dean to ensure safety but insisted residents were under no obligation to answer questions and were not asked for social media details.

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Despite the police denial, the controversy has highlighted the cultural and political sensitivities that can arise when international security operations intersect with small-town life. For now, the Cotswolds’ summer calm remains overshadowed by debate over privacy and the limits of VIP protection.