Cenk Uygur, the host of the Young Turks online talkshow, and streamer Hasan Piker have both been barred from entering the UK as their appearance would not be ‘conducive to the public good’
Two high-profile US commentators who have voiced strong anti-Israel views have been banned from coming to the UK.
Cenk Uygur, the host of the Young Turks online talkshow, and his nephew, streamer Hasan Piker, both said they had been stopped from entering the country to appear at SXSW London. Mr Uygur also claimed he had been prevented from speaking at an Oxford University event.
Mr Piker has sparked a backlash in the past by claiming that America “deserved 9/11” – a 2019 comment he later apologised for. He has also claimed that Hamas is “1,000 times better” than Israel, and said he “would vote for Hamas over Israel every single time”. He has said he is not antisemitic, but anti-Israel.
Their electronic travel authorisation (ETA) was cancelled last week after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood decided their presence in the UK would not be “conducive to the public good”. The government took similar action against Kanye West earlier this year after a string of anti-semitic comments.
The decision is believed to have been based on concerns his presence would risk exacerbating antisemitism. Mr Uygur posted 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 criticizing Israel. Are we free anymore?
“This is oppression of Western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country!” Mr 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.”
Jewish organisation the Community Security Trust urged SXSW to “act responsibly” and not allow the UK to be a “platform” for Piker. It accused him of having a “record of promoting rhetoric that includes anti-semitic themes, denial of well-documented atrocities and apparent support for extremist groups”.
Labour MP David Taylor has previously called for Mr Piker to be barred from appearing in the UK. He said: “It’s a real relief that the Home Office has revoked Hasan Piker’s visa.
“There is no reason we should open our doors to those who seek to spread hate and division, especially someone who’s supported a proscribed terror group. SXSW London must now review its vetting policies to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Arwa Elrayess, president of the Oxford Union, voiced concerns about the decision to bar Mr Uygur. She said: “The Oxford Union was founded on a simple principle: that ideas should be challenged through debate, not ignored or silenced.
“To this day, we defend freedom of speech; the right for our invited speakers to express themselves, and to be challenged, irrespective of political viewpoint. We will not allow this event to be shut down. The union is exploring all available options to ensure the discussion takes place, including hosting it online. At a time when others are retreating from free expression, the Oxford Union remains steadfast in its commitment to open debate.”
The Home Office said: “These individuals’ electronic travel authorisation (ETA) has been cancelled on the grounds that their presence in the UK may not be conducive to the public good.
“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.”
The Government also blocked 11 foreign nationals described by Keir Starmer as “far-right agitators” from entering the UK ahead of a Tommy Robinson-led rally in central London earlier this month.
Those claiming to have been barred include Polish politician Dominik Tarczynski, Belgian politician Filip Dewinter, anti-Islam commentator Valentina Gomez and Dutch activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: “This is a really grim decision. People often talk about (the) dangerous road we’d go down under a Reform government – this is another clear warning we’re down there already.
“A Labour government doing everything possible to silence criticism of the Israeli government.” A spokesperson for SXSW London said: “We are aware that Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker are unable to travel to the U.K. following a decision by the Home Office.
“Decisions on entry to the U.K. are a matter for the Home Office and the individuals concerned. SXSW London’s role is to convene a broad range of diverse voices and perspectives. We remain focused on delivering a programme this week fostering open dialogue and exchange of ideas and featuring more than 800 speakers, artists and screenings.”