Banned US Commentators to Speak at Oxford Union via Livestream

WHO:

Fox News - Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur, left-wing political commentators.

The Times of Israel - Arwa Elrayess, president of the Oxford Union.

WHAT:

Fox News - Piker and Uygur were barred from entering the United Kingdom ahead of scheduled appearances at SXSW London and the Oxford Union.

The Times of Israel - Piker and Uygur will address the Oxford Union event via livestream instead of in person.

The Times of Israel - The Oxford Union event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6.

The Times of Israel - Elrayess stated, “This event will not be cancelled,” and emphasized that “Free speech does not require a visa.”

WHERE:

Fox News - The United Kingdom.

The Times of Israel - Oxford Union, located in Oxford, UK.

WHEN:

The Times of Israel - The livestream event is scheduled for Saturday, June 6.

WHY:

Fox News - The British Home Office canceled Piker and Uygur's travel authorizations, citing risks "not conducive to the public good."

The Times of Israel - The decision to ban Uygur was believed to be based on concerns that he would aggravate antisemitism.

HOW:

The Times of Israel - The Oxford Union will ensure the discussion takes place via livestream as a response to the travel ban.

(UPDATED June 4, 2026 21:31 UTC)

Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur, left-wing political commentators, have been barred from entering the United Kingdom ahead of their scheduled appearances at the Oxford Union and SXSW London, with the British Home Office citing risks "not conducive to the public good." Instead of appearing in person, they will address the Oxford Union event via livestream on Saturday, June 6, as confirmed by the Union's president, Arwa Elrayess, who emphasized that “free speech does not require a visa.” The decision to ban Uygur is believed to be linked to concerns that his presence could aggravate antisemitism.