Free speech activists condemn UK entry ban for two leftwing US commentators
Key points
- The UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the country to attend speaking engagements.
- Cenk Uygur, the host of the Young Turks online political talkshow, and Hasan Piker, who runs his own hours-long stream each day, were both due to appear at SXSW London, while the former said he had also been due to speak at an event run by University of Oxford students.
- The Home Office said the two men had their electronic travel authorisations (ETA) cancelled because their presence in the UK âmay not be conducive to the public goodâ.
- Uygur has been accused of propagating antisemitic tropes in his criticism of Israel.
- He has insisted that his criticisms are confined to an analysis of Israeli influence over US policymaking, saying on Monday: âThe mighty United Kingdom is afraid of speech that...
Quick Summary
The UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the
Why It Matters
This development is important because it may impact public opinion, policy decisions, and future developments related to Free speech activists condemn UK entry ban for two leftwing.
Key Takeaways
- The UK is failing to protect freedom of speech, prominent activists have said, after the government banned two leftwing US political commentators from entering the country to attend speaking engagements.
- Cenk Uygur, the host of the Young Turks online political talkshow, and Hasan Piker, who runs his own hours-long stream each day, were both due to appear at SXSW London, while the former said he had also been due to speak at an event run by University of Oxford students.
- The Home Office said the two men had their electronic travel authorisations (ETA) cancelled because their presence in the UK âmay not be conducive to the public goodâ.
- Uygur has been accused of propagating antisemitic tropes in his criticism of Israel.
- He has insisted that his criticisms are confined to an analysis of Israeli influence over US policymaking, saying on Monday: âThe mighty United Kingdom is afraid of speech that shows you whoâs responsible for ⊠war crimes.
đ Source: The Guardian
The BriefWire