The UK government has banned two prominent US political commentators, Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, from entering Britain in what critics say is the latest example of London policing speech on Israel’s behalf.
Uygur, founder of The Young Turks, and Piker, one of the most-watched political streamers in the US, said their travel authorisations were cancelled ahead of planned appearances in London and at Oxford. Both men say the decision was not based on any threat to Britain, but on their outspoken criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
READ: Exposed – the influence of the pro-Israeli lobby in British politics and media
Announcing the ban, Uygur accused the British government of acting to protect Israel from scrutiny. “I tried to get on a flight to London to attend SXSW London and give a speech at Oxford,” he wrote on X. “I’ve been banned for criticising Israel.” In a further post, he said British officials had described him as “a serious risk to the public order,” adding: “Don’t know if facts will soon be banned in Britain.”
I’ve been banned from the UK. 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 anymore? This is oppression of Western citizens by our own governments on behalf of a different country!
