Britain’s interior ministry has blocked two US-based political commentators from entering the United Kingdom, cancelling their Electronic Travel Authorisations ahead of a scheduled appearance at a London festival.

The individuals, left-wing commentators Cenk Uygur and Hasan Piker, were due to speak at the SXSW London event this week before their entry permission was revoked.

The Home Office said the decision was taken because their presence “may not be conducive to the public good,” without providing further detailed explanations.

The pair had been scheduled to participate in panel discussions covering topics on technology, politics, and media at the festival.

Hasan Piker, a streamer and online content creator, was expected to speak on a session titled “How The American Left Learned To Speak The Internet,” while Cenk Uygur, founder of The Young Turks, was set for a separate discussion on economic systems and power structures.

Piker has previously faced controversy over remarks made in a livestream in 2019, which he later described as inappropriate.

Following the decision, Cenk Uygur criticised the UK government, accusing it of restricting free expression, while Hasan Piker also suggested the move was politically motivated.

The UK government has recently taken a stricter stance on high-profile entrants amid growing domestic sensitivities around security and public order issues.

The SXSW London festival, which runs for six days, combines music, film, and public talks and is an offshoot of the original South by Southwest event in the United States.

Last month, the UK also barred US rapper Kanye West from entering the country for a separate festival appearance, citing concerns over previous public statements.