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 .