President of Oxford Union releases statement on Uygur, Piker ban

• Oxford Union president calls travel ban a threat to free expression
• UK revoked travel authorisations for Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker
• Union says scheduled event will not be cancelled

The President of the Oxford Union has condemned the UK government's decision to revoke the travel authorisations of American political commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, describing the move as a "direct threat to free expression."

In a letter published on the Oxford Union's Instagram page, President Arwa Elrayess criticized the cancellation of the pair's Electronic Travel Authorisations, noting that the events had been publicly announced months in advance.

Elrayess cited one of the Union's core principles, writing that "ideas are challenged through debate, not silenced by decree."

She also made clear that the Union would proceed with the planned event despite the travel restrictions.

Read more: UK government bans two anti-‘Israel’ US political commentators

"This event will not be cancelled. The Union will ensure this discussion takes place. Free speech does not require a visa," Elrayess wrote, adding that members would be updated on future arrangements.

Founded in 1823, the Oxford Union has a long history of hosting controversial and high-profile speakers from across the political spectrum, including figures such as Malcolm X and Marine Le Pen.

Uygur and Piker barred from entering UK

The statement follows the UK Home Office's decision to revoke the visa-free travel permissions of Uygur and Piker just hours before they were due to board flights to London.

The Home Office cited concerns that their presence in the UK could pose a "serious risk to public order."

Uygur is the founder and host of The Young Turks, a progressive political commentary platform launched in 2002 that has become one of the most-viewed political shows on YouTube. He also unsuccessfully ran for the US Congress in 2021.

His nephew, Hasan Piker, known online as HasanAbi, is one of the most-followed political streamers on Twitch, regularly drawing large audiences for commentary on politics, international affairs, and current events.

Both men have been outspoken critics of 'Israel's' military campaign in Gaza.

Planned appearances

The pair had been scheduled to appear at SXSW London, the international festival focused on technology, culture, film, and music. They were also invited to participate in discussions organized by Oxford University students.

Both commentators described the decision as politically motivated.

Uygur said on X that British authorities had informed him he was considered "a serious risk to the public order" because of his criticism of Israel.

Piker said the UK had "revoked my visa as well," adding: "This is a warning. The Western world and liberal democracy is a sham."

During a livestream, Piker argued that the decision prioritized 'Israel's' interests and described the move as "straight up fascism." He also urged viewers to distinguish between antisemitism and anti-Zionism.