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Seven individuals, described as “far-right agitators”, have been blocked from entering the UK by the government ahead of a Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom rally in central London this Saturday.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood utilised her powers to cancel their entry permission, deeming their presence not “conducive to the public good”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking on Monday, affirmed that ministers “will not allow people to come to the UK, threaten our communities and spread hate on our streets”.
The decision has led to several right-wing personalities, slated to speak at the event, having their electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) cancelled before the weekend.
Valentina Gomez
Anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez was excluded last month after a backlash from MPs and campaign groups.
The US-based personality – who gained notoriety through stunts including burning a copy of the Koran – threatened to defy the ban and travel by small boat while suggesting Donald Trump’s White House would intervene if the authorities try to arrest her.
Ms Gomez was due to speak at the rally having attended its previous protest in September.
Responding to the decision with a provocative video on her X account, Ms Gomez said: “I just got banned from England.“
Plan A is for aeroplane, and since that’s no longer an option we’re going to plan B, and Plan B is for boats.
Valentina Gomez was due to speak at the Unite the Kingdom rally. (Valentina Gomez)
“I’m going to hop on a boat, get free luxury accommodation, deliver my beautiful speech, and if they dare to arrest me, I guarantee you that the White House will get involved.
“I’m not just coming with Jesus Christ, I’m coming with current and former soldiers of the US military.
“If they really want to deny my entry, well, they’re just going to have to stop the boats.”
If Ms Gomez did enter the UK she would be detained and deported, it is understood.
Joey Mannarino
Right-wing US commentator Joey Mannarino was told his ETA had been cancelled last week.
According to the group Hope Not Hate, Mr Mannarino attended a Britain First event in Manchester last year.
In an X post alongside the footage of his speech, he reportedly said the UK must “deport the parasites who are raping their way through America, Europe and the United Kingdom”.
US political commentator Joey Mannarino. (AFP/Getty)
He has also been accused of misogyny, writing in a since-deleted post that he “will never believe a victim of rape again in my life no matter the verdict in court” after Donald Trump was found civilly liable in a 2023 sex abuse case.
“The United Kingdom has decided, randomly, that I am unable to travel there any longer because my prescence (sic) is not conducive to the public good,” he wrote on X.
In a separate post, he said: “Do I sometimes say things that are a bit offensive? Yes, sure, I have done that and I won’t stop. People are allowed to be offensive and have opinions of their own.”
Ada Lluch
Far-right Spanish personality Ada Lluch also claimed to have had her ETA cancelled.
“What a coincidence it happened a couple of days after I privately confirmed I would attend,” she said in an X post.
“Call me crazy, but it certainly looks like they are trying to sabotage his rally.”
Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, wears a UTK logo (“Unite The Kingdom”) on his clothes as he is seen at a rally in solidarity with protesters in Iran. (Getty)
According to Spanish newspaper El Pais, Ms Lluch supports “anti-woke and anti-Islam” causes, and believes the Franco dictatorship model is preferable to democracy.
She also spoke at last year’s Unite the Kingdom rally, and is the former partner of Mr Mannarino.
Eva Vlaardingerbroek
Dutch anti-immigration activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek had her right to travel to the UK revoked in January, according to The Guardian.
She is said to have promoted conspiracy theories.
Dutch anti-immigration activist Eva Vlaardingerbroek. (Eva Vlaardingerbroek)
Ms Vlaardingerbroek reportedly spoke at last year’s rally where she said: “They are demanding the sacrifice of our children on the altar of mass migration.
“Let’s not beat about the bush – this is the rape, replacement and murder of our people”.Former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban responded to her being banned on X, saying: “You’re always welcome in Hungary!”.
The other three figures banned from travelling to the UK for the rally so far have not been named.