The UK Home Office cancels entry permissions for US political commentators Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur, preventing them from attending planned appearances in London. Multiple outlets report that both men were scheduled to speak at SXSW London in early June. The two also had additional events arranged: Uygur said he was due to speak at an Oxford University-linked setting run by students, while he and Piker were also reported to have other public engagements around the same period.
Deadline reports that the Home Office confirms their Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are cancelled. The Hollywood Reporter says the Home Office told it the cancellation was linked to the view that their “presence in the U.K. may not be conducive to the public good.” The Mirror and other outlets describe the decision as a ban.
The cancellations prompt political debate among free speech and other activists, with some commentators arguing the move restricts public debate. The UK government’s representatives reportedly do not respond consistently to requests for additional details on the rationale.
