US commentators barred from entering UK for SXSW London
5 verified6 unconfirmed
The UK Home Office has cancelled the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) of US political commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, preventing them from entering the country to attend SXSW London. Both individuals announced the decision on social media, with Uygur stating he was banned for criticising Israel and Piker alleging the move was made at the behest of Israel. The Home Office confirmed the cancellations were based on an assessment that their presence in the UK may not be conducive to the public good. Uygur was scheduled to speak at SXSW London and at an event run by University of Oxford students. Piker was due to appear on a panel titled “How the American Left Learned to Speak the Internet.” SXSW London said it was aware of the situation and that decisions on entry are a matter for the Home Office.
What’s verified
The UK Home Office revoked the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) of Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker.
The Home Office stated the decision was based on the grounds that their presence in the UK may not be conducive to the public good.
Both Uygur and Piker said on social media that they were banned from the UK, with Uygur citing criticism of Israel and Piker saying the move was at the behest of Israel.
Both commentators had been scheduled to speak at SXSW London.
The Home Office added that individuals may choose to apply for a visa if they still wish to travel to the UK.
Not yet confirmed
The Guardian reports that Labour MP David Taylor called for Piker to be prevented from speaking, while this detail is not mentioned in Variety.
Variety identifies Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood as the official who barred the commentators; The Guardian does not name the home secretary.
Variety reports that The Times of London stated the decision was based on Uygur’s comments about grooming gangs and concerns about antisemitism; The Guardian mentions similar concerns but attributes them to a Times report without specifying the home secretary.
Variety gives specific panel titles for both speakers; The Guardian only mentions Uygur’s planned Oxford speech.
The Guardian mentions the Community Security Trust urging SXSW to act responsibly; Variety does not include this.
Neither source answers why the ETA was cancelled specifically for Piker beyond general grounds.
Key figures
Cenk Uygur, US political commentator and host of The Young Turks
Hasan Piker, Twitch streamer and political commentator
Shabana Mahmood, UK Home Secretary (identified in Variety)
Home Office, UK government department
Sources: The Guardian, Variety
