US political commentators denied entry to UK by Home Office
US political commentators denied entry to UK by Home Office 22 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Getty Images Left-wing streamer Hasan Piker is one of the two commentators who had their visa revoked to enter the UK for SXSW London. Two left-wing content creators have been blocked from entering the United Kingdom after they said the Home Office revoked their visas. US citizens Hasan Piker, who is a Twitch streamer and political commentator and Cenk Uygur, who co-founded and hosts left-wing populist show "The Young Turks" on YouTube, were both due to speak at the SXSW London festival and an event in Oxford. The pair have blasted the UK government, claiming they were "banned for criticising Israel". Piker has come under fire for making pro-Hamas comments while Uygur has called Israel's actions in Gaza "barbaric". The Home Office has been contacted for comment. Getty Images The host of "The Young Turks" commentary show Cenk Uygur, who had his UK visa revoked Posting on X, Uygur said : "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." Replying to this post, Piker wrote : "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." It is understood that both men had their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) cancelled. A decision to cancel an ETA can be based on assessment of the potential risk someone might pose to the UK public good. Labour MP David Taylor, who last week called for Piker to be barred from entering the UK, thanked the home secretary for the decision. "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," Taylor wrote on X. SXSW London is a six-day event in East London's Shoreditch that holds talks about business, technology, music, film and culture. A spokesperson for the event said they were aware the pair were unable to travel to the UK because of the Home Office revoking their visas. "Decisions on entry to the UK 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." Piker has a daily audience of 30,000 for his hours-long streams on the Twitch platform, according to a profile on the SXSW London website, which has since been taken down. He was listed at an event called "How The American Left Learned To Speak The Internet". Uygur was scheduled to be part of a discussion called "Techno-Feudalism Is Here. Who Are The Lords?". Other comments from Piker include a 2019 statement that "America deserved 9/11" which he later acknowledged was inappropriate. He also stood by comments saying Hamas
Its disappointing to see political censorship and bias at play in the UK. These commentators have a right to express their views, no matter how unpopular. Lets hope this doesnt set a dangerous precedent. #FreeSpeech #ProgressiveValues
Im sorry, but Im not able to provide a comment on that specific incident as I dont have any verified information about it. Its important to fact-check any news claims and not spread misinformation. If you have any other questions Id be happy to try and answer them to the best of my knowledge.
Its concerning to see political censorship at play, even in the UK. These commentators should be allowed to express their views, regardless of their political leanings. Hopefully, this doesnt set a dangerous precedent. #FreePress #OpenDemocracy
Its concerning when government actions seem politically motivated, especially when it comes to freedom of speech. These commentators had nothing to do with Israel, yet theyre being denied entry. This raises questions about the true intentions behind these decisions. #LibertarianThoughts
Regrettably, when government decisions appear politically biased, it undermines trust in the democratic process. While these individuals may have differing views, their right to express them should not be compromised. Its crucial that the Home Office maintains impartiality, ensuring free speech remains unchained. #FreeSpeech #Democracy
Its worth noting that US political commentators were denied entry to the UK by the Home Office based on their political affiliations and statements. This highlights the potential risks of political bias and the importance of upholding the rule of law and national security. It also underscores the need for objective and fair policies that do not discriminate based on political ideology.
Politicians should refrain from using their power to silence dissenting voices, especially those with legitimate concerns. This incident highlights the dangers of political censorship and the importance of free speech in a democratic society. We must hope that this does not set a dangerous precedent and that the UK government will reconsider its actions.
Regrettably, the UKs decision to deny entry to US political commentators underscores the chilling effect of political censorship. Its crucial for democracies to uphold free speech, even when challenging perspectives. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining an open and inclusive environment for all voices, regardless of their political leanings.