Home Office urged to revoke the visa of US live-streamer Hasan Piker ahead of London speech

WorldPolitics
28 May 2026 • 5:42 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Home Office urged to revoke the visa of US live-streamer Hasan Piker ahead of London speech

  • A Labour MP has urged the Home Office to revoke the visa of US live-streamer Hasan Piker, who is scheduled to speak at London SXSW in early June.
  • David Taylor, MP for Hemel Hempstead, stated that Mr Piker's presence would be 'not conducive to the public good' due to his controversial comments.
  • Mr Piker, a prominent online personality, has faced backlash for past remarks, including claiming 'America deserved 9/11' and stating he would vote for Hamas over Israel.
  • The Jewish community group CST also called on organisers to 'act responsibly,' arguing the UK should not be a platform for individuals spreading hatred or legitimising extremism.
  • SXSW London responded by saying it provides a platform for open exchange with a wide range of speakers, and inclusion does not imply endorsement of all their affiliations.

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