By Basant El-Faramawy
Swedish climate academic and author Andreas Malm has been blocked from entering the UK ahead of a scheduled speaking engagement at a Tribune magazine event in London.
Immigration Officials Cite Public Good Concerns
Malm, an associate professor of human ecology at Lund University, was informed by immigration officials that his presence “may not be considered to be conducive to the public good.” He described the decision as “scandalous” and urged the government to reconsider.
Event Focused on Free Speech and Palestine Action Ban
The academic was due to headline a conference next week titled “Washington’s global reign of terror and Britain’s role in reinforcing it,” alongside Huda Ammori, a co-founder of the proscribed group Palestine Action. The event was timed to coincide with a supreme court challenge to the ban on Palestine Action.
Additional Engagements Canceled
Malm was also scheduled to be interviewed for BBC Radio 4’s “Radical With Gabriel Gatehouse” programme during his visit. He noted that he has traveled to the UK for decades for research, lectures, and conferences.
Criticism from Authors and Organizers
The decision drew sharp criticism. Author Sally Rooney, who withdrew her books from sale in the UK in solidarity with Palestine Action, called the ban a “sad and frightening act of cultural self-harm.” Tribune editor Oliver Eagleton said Malm was being censored for speaking about censorship.
Home Office Response and Previous Cases
The Home Office declined to comment on individual cases. Earlier this year, US commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker were also denied entry on the same grounds.
