Lund University researcher denied UK entry ahead of Palestine Action event

Swedish climate researcher Andreas Malm was turned away at the UK border on Friday, preventing him from entering the country for a scheduled speaking engagement. The rejection occurred days before a major legal hearing concerning the domestic status of the organization he was set to join on stage. Malm, a faculty member at Lund University in Sweden, confirmed the denial on Friday following a message from the Home Office.

The Home Office stated that Malm's presence in the UK was "not conducive to the public good." The ministry did not offer further clarification on the specific reasons for the decision. It maintained its standard practice of not commenting on individual immigration cases. This administrative refusal effectively stopped Malm from reaching the venue for an event planned for the following Wednesday.

Malm was scheduled to appear alongside Huda Ammori, the co-founder of Palestine Action. The group is currently designated as a terrorist organization under British law. The event was organized by a socialist magazine, and Malm intended to discuss the ongoing war in Iran. He noted that he had not publicly endorsed the group, promoted its activities, or provided financial support to it.

The academic said he suspected the ban was a direct result of his planned appearance with Ammori. Malm told the BBC's Radio 4 that he has traveled to the UK for decades to conduct archival research and attend conferences. He described the new barrier as a restriction on his ability to work as an intellectual and an academic.

When asked by the BBC if the decision might be linked to his previous comments calling the October 7 attack on Israel an act of liberation, Malm replied that it could be. He is best known for his book How to Blow Up a Pipeline, which argues for radical action to stop fossil fuel extraction. His recent history in the UK now includes this formal entry denial.

The legal context for the ban is set to shift next week. The British Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an appeal on the proscription of Palestine Action. That legal standing currently makes expressing support for the group a criminal offense. The court's review will determine if the group remains classified as a terrorist entity under existing legislation.

This move follows a pattern of recent entry restrictions for high-profile visitors. In June, the UK blocked Cenk Uygur, a Turkish-American media personality, and his nephew Hasan Piker from entering the country for speaking events. Earlier in October, Irish novelist Sally Rooney announced her books would no longer be sold in Britain. She cited her plan to use royalties to support Palestine Action as the reason for the withdrawal.