Valentina Gomez, who has beforehand run unsuccessful political campaigns in Missouri and Texas, had publicly promoted her deliberate look on the rally.
Valentina Gomez has been banned from the UK by Shabana Mahmood (Picture: Instagram/PA)
Shabana Mahmood has barred Valentina Gomez from coming into the UK after the controversial US-based anti-Islam influencer stated she deliberate to talk at a rally organised by Tommy Robinson subsequent month. The Dwelling Secretary has determined that Ms Gomez’s presence within the nation “wouldn’t be conducive to the general public good”, successfully blocking her from attending the Unite the Kingdom occasion scheduled in London on Might 16.
Ms Gomez, who has beforehand run unsuccessful political campaigns in Missouri and Texas, had publicly promoted her deliberate look on the rally. The occasion is organised by activist Mr Robinson – actual identify Stephen Yaxley-Lennon – and has drawn controversy in earlier years. Earlier than the ban was confirmed, Ms Gomez posted on social media that her visa had been authorised.
Tommy Robinson talking in Los Angeles (Picture: Getty)
On Instagram final week Ms Gomez wrote: “VISA APPROVED.” Nonetheless, the Dwelling Workplace subsequently intervened.
In response to the choice, Ms Gomez escalated her rhetoric on-line, suggesting she would try and enter the UK regardless.
In a video posted on X on Monday, Ms Gomez stated: “They will attempt to ban me, however they can not ban the TRUTH. See you on Might sixteenth.” She additionally claimed she would try and enter by way of a small boat and challenged the Authorities to cease her.
Ms Gomez, who was born in Colombia and is now based mostly in the USA, has beforehand attracted consideration for extremely inflammatory content material. In a marketing campaign video circulated on social media, she filmed herself burning a replica of the Quran.
At a earlier Unite the Kingdom march in London in September, Ms Gomez stated “rapist Muslims” and described Islam as “the sword that the left is utilizing to destroy Christian nations”.
Her deliberate look prompted concern from UK advocacy teams.
The Muslim Council of Britain wrote to the Dwelling Secretary on April 17, warning that permitting Ms Gomez to talk on a public platform would “grant legitimacy and ship a troubling message concerning the selective utility of Dwelling Workplace requirements”.
After the ban, the organisation welcomed the choice and stated it ought to act as a “precedent for others who selected to advertise disinformation and hatred”, reported the BBC.
The Dwelling Workplace has beforehand used its powers to dam entry to people deemed prone to trigger public dysfunction or unfold extremist messaging.
Earlier this month, the federal government refused permission for rapper Kanye West to enter the UK to carry out at Wi-fi Pageant, following issues about his earlier antisemitic remarks.
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Ms Gomez has maintained that she intends to attend the London rally regardless of the ban, although UK authorities have made clear she is not going to be permitted entry.
The choice provides to ongoing tensions round freedom of speech, protest, and public order at politically charged demonstrations within the UK, significantly these linked to figures reminiscent of Tommy Robinson and worldwide activists with established data of inflammatory statements.
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