UK: Shabana Mahmood blocks entry for podcasters Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker over Israel criticism

UK: Shabana Mahmood blocks entry for podcasters Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker over Israel criticism Submitted by MEE staff on Mon, 06/01/2026 - 06:18 The Times reported that UK home secretary Shabana Mahmood cancelled Uygur's Electronic Travel Authorisation prior to his departure Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood at a Community Security Trust event in London, 16 October 2025. (Carlos Jasso/AFP) Off Turkish-American political commentator Cenk Uygur said he has been barred from entering the United Kingdom  after authorities revoked his travel authorisation ahead of planned events in London and Oxford this week. Uygur, founder and host of the online news and commentary network The Young Turks, said on social media that he was prevented from boarding a flight to London and accused British authorities of acting because of his criticism of Israel . "I've been banned from the UK," Uygur wrote. "I tried to get on a flight to London to attend SXSW London and give a speech at Oxford. I've been banned for criticizing Israel." The Times reported that UK home secretary Shabana Mahmood cancelled Uygur's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) after determining that his presence in Britain would not be "conducive to the public good."   The newspaper reported that the decision was based on several factors, including concerns that Uygur's rhetoric since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel could contribute to antisemitism and community tensions. Uygur has repeatedly criticised Israel's military campaign in Gaza and described its actions as genocide.  Political commentator and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, Uygur's nephew, said on ...

Original source: Middle East Eye