Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur barred from UK ahead of SXSW London talks

Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur have been barred from entering the UK ahead of scheduled SXSW London talks

Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur have been barred from entering the United Kingdom after the Home Office revoked their Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs), preventing both media personalities from attending SXSW London.

The decision was confirmed by representatives for the UK Home Office, who said the travel authorisations were cancelled on the grounds that the pair's presence in the country "may not be conducive to the public good." Officials added that such decisions are based on assessments of any potential risk an individual may pose to UK society.

Piker, a prominent Twitch streamer and political commentator, and Uygur, founder of The Young Turks and uncle to Piker, had been scheduled to participate in separate discussions at SXSW London. Piker was due to appear on a panel examining online political communication, while Uygur was set to discuss the rise of techno-feudalism and its impact on society.

Following the decision, both men criticised the move on social media. Uygur claimed he had been prevented from travelling because of his views on Israel, while Piker alleged that political considerations influenced the decision. Neither claim has been supported by the Home Office.

According to reports, the decision may have been influenced by concerns over previous public statements and controversies involving both figures. The Home Office has not publicly detailed the specific reasons behind the revocations.

SXSW London confirmed that Piker and Uygur will no longer participate in this year's programme. A spokesperson stated that decisions regarding entry into the UK are matters for the Home Office and the individuals involved, while emphasising the event's commitment to hosting a broad range of viewpoints and discussions.

The development has drawn attention as debate continues over free speech, public safety and immigration policy in the UK.