Zack Polanski describes banning of left-wing US commentators from UK as ‘really grim’

WorldPolitics
1 Jun 2026 • 6:57 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Zack Polanski describes banning of left-wing US commentators from UK as ‘really grim’

  • Two US left-wing commentators, Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, have been banned from entering the UK to speak at the SXSW London conference.
  • Their Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was cancelled by the Home Office, citing that their presence may not be conducive to the public good.
  • Both commentators have linked their bans to their previous criticism of Israel, with reports also indicating concerns about Uygur exacerbating antisemitism and Piker having a history of controversial remarks.
  • Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticised the decision as 'really grim', suggesting it represents a move to silence criticism of the Israeli Government.
  • The Jewish organisation Community Security Trust had previously urged SXSW not to provide a platform for Piker due to his 'record of promoting rhetoric that includes antisemitic themes'.

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