Far-left American commentator Hasan Piker has been barred from entering Britain after the Home Office ruled that his presence was “not conducive to the public good.”
The 34-year-old influencer had been scheduled to appear at the SXSW London festival on June 4 for a panel called How the American Left Learned to Speak the Internet.
Piker later confirmed on social media that his electronic travel authorisation (ETA) had been revoked.
He wrote: “The UK has revoked my visa… all at the behest of Israel.”
He added: “The West is abandoning ‘liberal values’ in favour of a genocidal fascist foreign government. Soon, we will all become Israel.”
Piker has previously sparked backlash after saying he would “vote for Hamas over Israel” and referring to Orthodox Jews as “inbreds.”
He has also faced criticism for earlier remarks claiming the US “deserved” the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Last month, during an appearance on Pod Save America, he repeated his stance, saying Hamas was “1,000 times better” than Israel and that he would “vote for Hamas over Israel every single time.”
Piker has denied accusations of antisemitism, telling Variety that he considers himself “anti-Israel,” not antisemitic.
David Taylor had urged the government to block Piker from entering the UK ahead of the festival.
Taylor argued that Piker was “not conducive to the public good” and called on the Home Office to revoke his travel authorisation.
Community Security Trust also urged festival organisers to “act responsibly” and avoid giving Piker a platform.
The Home Office also revoked the travel authorisation of left-wing activist Cenk Uygur, Piker’s uncle.
Uygur, who was also due to speak at SXSW London, has previously accused Israel of controlling the United States and described the country as “genocidal,” “barbaric,” and “savage.”
The decision comes after the Government blocked 11 foreign nationals, described by Keir Starmer as “far-right agitators,” from entering Britain ahead of a Tommy Robinson-led rally in London in May.
At the time, a spokesperson for the Prime Minister said: “Those who threaten our communities and spread racism have no place on the streets of the UK.
“Where individuals pose a threat or seek to spread extremism, the Government will not hesitate to deny entry.”
Taylor welcomed the latest decision, saying: “It’s encouraging to see the Home Office take a firm stance against those who pose a serious threat to public order and community cohesion.
“With antisemitism at record levels, it is entirely inappropriate to give someone with a history of inflammatory rhetoric such a prominent platform.
“I hope the Home Secretary now considers using these powers against other speakers with a record of hateful speech who are set to appear at the festival.”
