Two prominent American political commentators have been prevented from entering the United Kingdom after authorities revoked their travel authorizations ahead of scheduled speaking engagements in London and Oxford.
A BBC news article said that Hasan Piker, a political commentator and Twitch streamer, and Cenk Uygur, co-founder and host of the YouTube program The Young Turks, were both expected to participate in events associated with the SXSW London festival and an engagement in Oxford. However, both men reported that they were unable to travel after their Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) were cancelled.
The pair publicly criticized the decision, alleging that it was connected to their views on Israel and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Posting on X, Uygur wrote: “I’ve been banned from the UK.”
“I tried to get on a flight to London to attend SXSW London and give a speech at Oxford. I’ve been banned for criticising Israel. Are we free any more?
“This is oppression of western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country,” he added.
Piker responded to the post, stating: “The UK has revoked my visa as well. All at the behest of Israel. The west is betraying ‘liberal values’ for a genocidal fascist foreign government. Soon we will all become Israel.”
According to reports, UK authorities cancelled the pair’s ETAs. Such authorizations can be revoked if officials determine that an individual may pose a risk to the public good, stated the BBC. The Home Office has not publicly commented on the specific reasons for the decision.
Labour MP David Taylor, who had previously called for Piker to be denied entry, welcomed the move. Writing on X, he stated: “There’s no reason to open our doors to those who seek to spread hate and division, especially to those who’ve supported a proscribed terror group.”
Piker has faced criticism in the past for comments viewed as supportive of Hamas. He has also attracted controversy for remarks made over several years, including a 2019 statement that “America deserved 9/11,” which he later acknowledged was inappropriate. He has maintained that he is not antisemitic but describes himself as anti-Israel.
The article also indicated that Community Security Trust, a Jewish community organization, welcomed the decision, stating that criticism of Israel is legitimate but arguing that Piker’s public remarks had gone beyond political criticism and included rhetoric containing antisemitic themes.
Others criticized the government’s action. Green Party leader Zack Polanski described the visa denials as “a really grim decision,” while Liberty director Akiko Hart called for greater transparency regarding government decisions that restrict speech and entry into the country.
The BBC quotes a spokesperson for SXSW London, who confirmed that both speakers were unable to attend after their travel authorizations were revoked. The event organizer emphasized that immigration decisions are matters for the Home Office and the individuals concerned, adding that SXSW London remains committed to fostering open dialogue through a diverse range of speakers and perspectives.
The case follows several recent decisions by UK authorities to deny entry to foreign nationals on public interest grounds, reportedly including musician Kanye West, and a number of overseas activists, as well as some extreme right-wing figures, ahead of a London demonstration last month.
