UK revokes travel authorisation for Swedish climate scholar Andreas Malm

Key points

• The UK Home Office revoked the ETA of Andreas Malm, a senior lecturer at Lund University, citing public safety concerns without providing specific details.
• Malm was scheduled to appear on a panel in London organised by Tribune magazine alongside Huda Ammori, a co-founder of the proscribed group Palestine Action.
• Malm stated he has never financially supported or publicly endorsed Palestine Action, arguing the ban is based on 'guilt by association.'
• The Home Office indicated that Malm could apply for a standard visa, but processing times of three weeks would likely prevent him from attending the upcoming event.
• The ban has drawn criticism from figures including author Sally Rooney and Labour MP Clive Lewis, who described it as an attack on academic freedom and free speech.

Background

This incident occurs within a broader pattern of UK travel restrictions for foreign speakers. In April 2026, the government barred Kanye West and 11 far-right agitators from entering the country. In June, visas for pro-Palestinian commentators Hasan Piker and Cenk Uygur were revoked. Additionally, the UK Supreme Court is currently reviewing the proscription of Palestine Action, a group classified as a terrorist organisation by the UK government. Earlier this month, Irish author Sally Rooney had her books withdrawn from UK sale after pledging royalties to the group.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and Al Jazeera report that Malm believes the ban is directly linked to his scheduled appearance with Ammori, though he acknowledges his previous description of the 2023 Hamas attacks as an 'act of liberation' could also be a factor. The Guardian highlights Malm’s characterization of the ban as a 'drift into authoritarianism' targeting climate and Palestine movements. The Financial Times notes that the Home Office has used similar powers to block speakers across the political spectrum, including far-right agitators and Kanye West, suggesting a consistent application of 'public good' criteria. While Malm and left-wing commentators frame the move as censorship, the Home Office maintains that such decisions are based solely on an assessment of potential risk to UK society. Malm confirmed he would participate in the event via video link.

Why it matters

The case highlights the tension between national security legislation and academic freedom in the UK. It raises questions about the scope of 'guilt by association' in immigration decisions and the potential chilling effect on international discourse regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict and climate activism. The decision may set a precedent for how the government handles foreign speakers associated with proscribed groups, even if they do not actively support them.

What to watch

Malm has requested an explanation from the Home Office but has not received a response. He is expected to speak at the Tribune event via video link. The UK Supreme Court is due to hear an appeal against the proscription of Palestine Action in the coming months, which could impact the legal framework surrounding such travel bans. Malm may apply for a standard visa, though the three-week processing time makes attendance at the current event unlikely.