‘Weak and cowardly’: UK bars renowned Swedish author ahead of Palestine event

What Happened

The UK government barred Swedish author and climate activist Andreas Malm from entering the country ahead of a pro-Palestinian event in London, according to Malm and Middle East Eye. Immigration officials told him his presence 'may not be considered to be conducive to the public good' and provided no further evidence or explanation. Malm, an associate professor at Lund University, was due to speak next week at an event titled 'Washington’s global reign of terror and Britain’s role in reinforcing it' alongside Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, a group the British government has proscribed over its anti-genocide activism. Malm described the decision as 'scandalous' and said he had travelled to the UK for decades for research and lectures, appealing for the decision to be overturned. His publisher Verso Books condemned the ban, saying no British government had revoked a Verso author's right to enter in over 55 years. Tribune, the left-wing publication hosting the event, said editor Oliver Eagleton described the censorship as 'deeply disturbing'; the event was to cover freedom of speech, the banning of Palestine Action, and the effective ban on Sally Rooney’s books over her support for the group.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The ban reflects ongoing UK domestic restrictions on pro-Palestinian voices amid the Israel-Gaza war and follows earlier exclusions of Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur. It signals continued tension between Labour's stated regret over Gaza policy under Keir Starmer and its hardline approach to critics of British support for Israel. The event was to discuss censorship itself, amplifying free speech concerns.

Watch For

Watch whether the UK government responds to Malm’s appeal or reverses the decision before the London event next week; whether the event proceeds without Malm; whether other scheduled speakers face similar entry bans; and whether this prompts domestic or international criticism from publishers, academics, or rights groups.