US Anti-Islam Influencer Denied UK Entry by Home Office
The Home Office has prevented US-based anti-Islam influencer Valentina Gomez from entering the United Kingdom.
Gomez, who has unsuccessfully campaigned for election in Missouri and Texas on an anti-Islam platform, previously posted a campaign video on social media in which she burned a copy of the Quran.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood determined that Gomez's presence in the UK "would not be conducive to the public good."
Planned Appearance at Unite the Kingdom Rally
Gomez had announced on social media last week that she intended to speak at the Unite the Kingdom rally in London, organised by Tommy Robinson, scheduled for 16 May.
Following the ban, Gomez indicated she might attempt to enter the UK by crossing on a small boat and challenged the government to prevent her from doing so.
Sharing a video on X on Monday, Gomez stated:
"They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH. See you on May 16th."
Previous Controversial Statements
At a prior Unite the Kingdom march in London last September, Gomez referred to "rapist Muslims" and described Islam as "the sword that the left is using to destroy Christian nations."
Born in Colombia, Gomez reiterated her intention to speak at the upcoming Unite the Kingdom rally in May.
Visa Application and Muslim Council of Britain Response
Before the Home Office's decision on Monday, Gomez had claimed her visa application to enter the UK was approved, posting on Instagram:
"VISA APPROVED"
This announcement prompted the Muslim Council of Britain to write to the Home Secretary expressing concern about Gomez being permitted to enter the UK again.
In a letter published on 17 April, the Council stated that allowing Gomez to speak publicly in the UK would "grant legitimacy and sends a troubling message about the selective application of Home Office standards."
The organisation welcomed the Home Office's decision to block Gomez and said it should serve as a "precedent for others who chose to promote disinformation and hatred."
Home Office's Previous Visa Interventions
The Home Office has a history of intervening to deny visas to public figures whose presence it considers potentially inflammatory.
Earlier in May, the government refused permission for rapper Kanye West to enter the UK to perform at the Wireless Festival due to concerns over his previous antisemitic remarks.
