LONDON: The UK has banned two of America’s most prominent left-wing political commentators from entering the country, preventing them from appearing at a string of high-profile events amid a row over their criticism of Israel.
Cenk Uygur, host of the online political talk show “The Young Turks,” and Hasan Piker, a popular political streamer on Twitch, were both blocked from appearing at SXSW London — an annual film, media and music festival.
Piker has more than 3 million followers on Twitch and 1.5 million on X. Uygur was due to appear at an event organized by students at the University of Oxford.
“I’ve been banned from the UK,” the latter said on social media. “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 any more? This is oppression of western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country.”
Responding to his post, Piker said that the UK revoked his visa as well. “All at the behest of Israel,” he added.
“It’s a sad state of affairs where obviously the interests of Israel take highest priority,” he said during a Sunday livestream, criticizing what he described as the “unbelievable” influence of Israeli advocacy organizations over such decisions.
Cenk Uygur, host of the online political talk show “The Young Turks.” (AFP/File)
The Times reported that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood personally canceled Uygur’s Electronic Travel Authorization, concluding that his presence would not be “conducive to the public good.”
According to the newspaper, the decision was based on several factors, including concerns that Uygur’s rhetoric about Israel could contribute to antisemitism and community tensions.
Both commentators are prominent left-wing voices in the US and have been outspoken critics of Israel’s conduct in Gaza and the West Bank, and Tel Aviv’s sway over Washington.
Last week, the Jewish organization the Community Security Trust urged SXSW organizers to “act responsibly” and refuse to give the UK a “platform” for Piker. The organization accused the streamer of promoting “rhetoric that includes antisemitic themes, denial of well-documented atrocities and apparent support for extremist groups.”
Hasan Piker, a popular political streamer, has more than 3 million followers on Twitch and 1.5 million on X. (AFP/File)
SXSW said the event brings together a “wide range of speakers with different associations, affiliations and perspectives,” adding that “inclusion in the program does not imply endorsement of all organizations with whom a speaker may be directly or indirectly affiliated.”
The bans are the latest in a series of high-profile entry refusals.
Last month, the Home Office blocked several people from entering the country. They had been scheduled to speak at a far-right rally organized by anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson.
British authorities also previously denied entry to US rapper Kanye West, citing his history of antisemitic remarks.
