The Cotswolds is currently under tight security measures as US Vice President JD Vance enjoys his holiday in the small Oxfordshire village of Dean.
Local residents are expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, comparing it to scenes from ‘Men in Black’ due to the presence of guards in black suits and sunglasses patrolling the area. Several roads, footpaths, and village lanes have been closed off, with police and US Secret Service agents stationed in the vicinity. Only residents are permitted entry or exit, with security checks including ID verification, car searches, and the use of sniffer dogs.
Despite some residents being hesitant to comment due to security reasons, a few have voiced frustrations over the restrictions. The heightened security coincides with concerns raised by lawmakers about Donald Trump’s mental state.
One local councilor described the security presence as reminiscent of the Men in Black, expressing concerns about the scale and visibility of the operation. The heavy police presence has led some to question the allocation of resources, with worries about the impact on the local community.
In a neighboring village, a resident criticized the high security measures as a waste of resources, highlighting the disruption caused and the inconvenience faced by locals. Another long-term resident expressed frustration over the increasing presence of outsiders in the area, describing the village as becoming overly pretentious.
The security measures include the closure of all entrances to the village, with strict checks on those entering and exiting, including car searches by security personnel. JD Vance is reportedly staying in a manor near Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, with the estate heavily guarded by US Secret Service agents.
The heightened security follows a public dispute between Clarkson and Vance over comments made regarding Britain’s military history, with both individuals exchanging critical remarks in the media.