WASHINGTON, D.C. (Fox News) — Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan testified before Congress, highlighting the U.K.’s free speech battles and the lack of clear leadership in culture-war disputes.

The Testimony

Linehan criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for avoiding the transgender policy debate, leaving ordinary people to fight culture wars daily.

The Issues

He pointed out cases of nurses harassed over disagreements and his struggles to find work after voicing basic feminist views rooted in suffragette movements.

Arrest and Impact

Linehan was briefly arrested over his criticism of U.K. transgender policies, which led to dropped charges.

Comedy writer and journalist Graham Linehan testifies on "Europe’s Threat to American Speech and Innovation" at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The hearing highlighted how European censorship laws could impact free speech in the United States.

Controversial Statements

Linehan argued for single-sex spaces for women and criticized the inclusion of "men who identify as women" in female-only areas.

Graham Linehan poses with a placard reading "There’s no such thing as a transgender child" outside Westminster Magistrates Court on Sept. 4, 2025 in London, England.

Personal Impact

He claimed his life was negatively affected by trans activists condemning him in the press without explanation.