Two prominent political commentators have been banned from entering the UK for what they claim is criticism of Israel. Left-wing broadcasters Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker announced online that they were barred from attending the SXSW festival in London, just hours before its kickoff in Shoreditch.
Uygur and Piker Speak Out
Uygur wrote on X: '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 anymore? This is oppression of Western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country!'
Piker responded: '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.'
Home Office Statement
A Home Office spokesperson told Metro that the pair's Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) were cancelled because their 'presence in the UK may not be conducive to the public good.' The Home Office added: 'Decisions to refuse or cancel an ETA on these grounds are based solely on an assessment of the potential risk an individual may pose to UK society. Where applications require further consideration, individuals may choose to apply for a visa if they still wish to travel to the UK.'
Background on Piker
Piker had previously faced backlash over reportedly saying in a 2019 livestream that 'America deserved 9/11.' He later apologised and said it was inappropriate. The streamer, who has millions of subscribers, also said he would 'vote for Hamas over Israel every single time.' He later clarified that he is not antisemitic, but 'anti-Israel.'
Background on Uygur
Uygur is a well-known political commentator who has appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored multiple times. He was accused of claiming that Israel controls America by financial means, and concerns about his dismissal of evidence related to grooming gangs were also raised before his visa was banned, according to The Times.
SXSW Response
SXSW said its event brings together a 'wide range of speakers with different associations, affiliations and perspectives.' They clarified that SXSW does not endorse organisations that speakers are affiliated with or support.
Previous UK Bans
The UK previously banned a 'dangerous' influencer from entering to speak at Tommy Robinson's Unite the Kingdom rally. Valentina Gomez, who gained notoriety through stunts including burning a copy of the Quran, was banned after massive backlash. The Home Secretary intervened because her presence would not be conducive to the public good. The same justification was used for blocking rapper Kanye West from entering earlier this month.
