Andreas Malm condemns UK travel ban as authoritarian drift

Swedish climate academic and author Andreas Malm has strongly criticised the UK government after his electronic travel authorisation was revoked, describing the decision as an authoritarian drift. Malm, known for writing How to Blow Up a Pipeline, stated that immigration authorities provided no detailed justification other than claiming his presence was not considered conducive to the public good.

Speaking on a radio broadcast, Malm suggested the ban stemmed from his planned appearance at a London panel discussion alongside Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action. He noted that he was invited to speak about imperial aggression and the war in Iran rather than Palestine Action itself, maintaining that the restriction amounts to guilt by association and political censorship.

UK travel ban against academic Andreas Malm sparks fierce criticism over free speech.

The Home Office declined to discuss specific cases, though an official source noted that decisions to cancel travel authorisations are based solely on an assessment of potential risks to UK society. Malm confirmed he has received no formal clarification despite requesting an explanation, and confirmed he will deliver his remarks via a video link instead.

The restriction has drawn widespread condemnation from various public figures, authors, and politicians. Critics including the Green party leader Zack Polanski, author Sally Rooney, and Member of Parliament Clive Lewis argued that barring academics for political viewpoints establishes a dangerous precedent for democracy and free expression.

Why it matters

This decision highlights growing friction over government restrictions on academics and public speakers whose political views intersect with sensitive geopolitical movements. The case affects broader discussions surrounding free speech, civil liberties, and the boundaries of state authority in handling political activism.