Home Office blocks US commentators over antisemitism concerns
The UK government has cancelled the electronic travel authorisations of two prominent American political commentators, citing that their presence is not conducive to the public good.
The UK Home Office has cancelled the electronic travel authorisations of US commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, effectively barring them from entering the country. The decision, attributed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, states that the men’s presence is “not conducive to the public good”. Both individuals had been scheduled to speak at SXSW London and the Oxford Union prior to the cancellation.
The move has ignited a political row regarding free speech and censorship under the Keir Starmer government. Uygur, host of The Young Turks, and Piker, a Twitch streamer, have faced significant criticism for their comments regarding Israel and Jewish people. It is understood that the ban stems from concerns that their past remarks could exacerbate antisemitism.
Uygur, a 56-year-old activist and attorney, has described Israel’s actions as “genocide” and “barbaric”, while accusing the state of using Jews as “human shields”. He maintains that his criticisms are confined to an analysis of Israeli influence over US policymaking. Piker, 34, has previously described Orthodox Jews as “inbreds” and claimed that allegations of sexual assault following the 7 October attacks were “rape fantasies”. He has also stated he would vote for Hamas over Israel.
The Home Office confirmed the ETA cancellations but provided no official on-the-record statement detailing the specific reasons beyond the “public good” clause. The rules grant the home secretary wide discretionary powers to exclude individuals based on their conduct, character, or associations. However, Uygur and Piker have no right to administrative review or appeal against the decision, though they may reapply in the future.
This action mirrors a similar decision in April, when Home Secretary Mahmood blocked rapper Kanye West (Ye) from entering the UK for the same reason, citing concerns over antisemitic and racist comments. The government has also previously banned 11 far-right activists, including US-based influencer Valentina Gomez, ahead of rallies in central London.