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UK Cancels Entry Permits for Two U.S. Commentators Ahead of SXSW London
The Home Office cancelled Electronic Travel Authorisations for Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, barring them from speaking at SXSW London. Officials cited public-good concerns. The commentators linked the decision to their past statements about Israel.
Jun 1, 7:40 AM·1m read1 source
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Cenk Uygur, host of The Young Turks, and Hasan Piker, a streamer, were due to appear at events titled Techno-Feudalism Is Here and How The American Left Learned To Speak The Internet. Both had their permits revoked on the grounds that their presence may not be conducive to the public good.
Background on the Decision The Home Office assesses ETA applications for potential risk to UK society. Officials said the duo can still apply for visas, though processing would likely miss the conference running Monday to Saturday. Uygur stated he learned of the ban only after attempting to board his flight and linked the action to his criticism of Israel.
Piker said the UK acted at the request of Israel and accused Western governments of abandoning liberal values.
Party leader Zack Polanski described the decision as "really grim" and said a Labour government was silencing criticism of the Israeli government. SXSW London said decisions on entry rest with the Home Office and that the festival continues with more than 800 speakers.
The Community Security Trust had urged organisers not to give Piker a platform, citing past comments it described as promoting antisemitic themes. " He maintains his position is anti-Israel rather than antisemitic. The Home Office declined to comment on the specific cases.
