LONDON, June 1 (Reuters) - Britain has blocked Cenk Uygur, a left-wing Turkish-American media personality, and his nephew, Hasan Piker, a U.S. left-wing commentator and influencer, from entering the country to speak at events, both said on Monday.Uygur, who co-hosts the popular YouTube channel "The Young Turks", and Piker said they had been barred because of their views on Israel.

The ban on the left-wing commentators has shocked many across the political spectrum.

The United Kingdom’s Home Office said Piker and Uygur were blocked from entering the country because their presence “may not be conducive to the public good.”

The Young Turks founder says the move was retaliation for criticism of Israel