More than 900 academics have written an open letter urging the UK government to reverse its decision to bar Swedish climate scholar Andreas Malm from entering the country. The letter, signed by scholars from around the world, condemns the move as a “grave violation of academic freedom and freedom of expression.”
Malm, an associate professor at Lund University and author of How to Blow Up a Pipeline, was prevented from traveling to the UK last week after the Home Office revoked his electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The decision was reportedly based on concerns that his presence might “not be considered to be conducive to the public good.”
The scholar had been scheduled to attend an academic conference, appear on the BBC, and participate in a public discussion organised by the publication Tribune. The panel would have included Huda Ammori, a co‑founder of the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.
In a statement to the BBC, Malm said he had been “kept in the dark” about the reasons for the revocation. He suspected the decision was linked to his planned appearance alongside Ammori. “I cannot see any other explanation than the scheduled appearance of me on stage for a panel on Wednesday evening in London, together with Huda Ammori. That … makes me somehow a terrorist or associated with terrorism, and therefore barred from travelling to the UK. That’s pretty scandalous,” he said.
The open letter argues that excluding scholars because of their political views or the topics they discuss sets a dangerous precedent. It warns that such actions could create a chilling effect on academic and public discourse, undermining the free exchange of ideas that is essential to a democratic society.
A Home Office spokesperson explained that cancelling or refusing an ETA can occur for a range of reasons, including concerns that an individual poses a threat to public safety or seeks to spread extremism. The spokesperson added that the decision is not a blanket ban and that those affected can still apply for a visa for further consideration.
Source: The Guardian World
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