Home Office bars US commentators from UK travel, forcing Oxford Union event online
The UK government has refused visas to two American political commentators, citing their presence is not conducive to the public good. While SXSW London cancels their participation, the Oxford Union insists the debate will go ahead remotely.
The UK Home Office has refused entry to US political commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, ruling that their presence in the country was not conducive to the public good. The pair were attempting to enter the United Kingdom to attend SXSW London and deliver a speech at the Oxford Union, but the Home Office has not provided specific reasons for the ban beyond this broad statutory clause.
The Oxford Union confirmed that Uygur and Piker will address the debating society remotely via livestream on 6 June, rather than in person. Arwa Elrayess, the president of the Oxford Union, stated the union was deeply concerned by the revocation of the speakers’ electronic travel authorisations. Elrayess asserted that the event would not be cancelled, emphasising the principle that free speech does not require a visa and that the union does not seek permission from the state for its speakers.
Conversely, SXSW London confirmed that the speakers will not participate in their programme due to the travel ban. A spokesperson for the festival noted that decisions on entry to the UK are a matter for the Home Office and the individuals concerned, adding that the organisation remains focused on delivering a programme fostering open dialogue with more than 800 speakers.
Uygur, the host of the Young Turks podcast, has faced accusations of propagating antisemitic tropes in his criticism of Israel, which he denies. He has insisted his comments are confined to analysis of Israeli influence over US policymaking. Piker, a leftwing streamer, has faced backlash for past comments, including a 2019 stream remark that America deserved 9/11, for which he apologised, and characterising Hamas as 1,000 times better than Israel.
Free speech activists have criticised the government’s decision. Jemimah Steinfeld of Index on Censorship called it a worrying escalation, while Akiko Hart of Liberty urged transparency from the government. Hart stated that free speech can only exist when it is defended for those we disagree with, however uncomfortable that may feel.