The British Government has barred US-based influencer Valentina Gomez from entering the country ahead of a planned rally in London, citing concerns over extremism and public safety.
Gomez, known for her anti-Islam rhetoric, had been scheduled to speak at the Unite the Kingdom rally on May 16, an event organised by anti-Islam activist Tommy Robinson.
Initially granted a UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA), Gomez was later denied entry following pressure from politicians and advocacy groups.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood exercised her discretionary powers to exclude Gomez on the grounds that her presence would “not be conducive to the public good”.
The decision mirrors a recent move by the government to block rapper Kanye West from entering the UK due to previous antisemitic remarks.
Officials emphasised that while freedom of expression is protected, it does not extend to the promotion of hatred or extremist views.
Gomez has built an online following through provocative and controversial actions, including burning a copy of the Quran and calling for Islam to be removed from parts of the US.
During a Unite the Kingdom rally in September 2025, which reports said drew around 100,000 people, she delivered a speech widely condemned as inflammatory and Islamophobic.
Following the ban, Gomez responded defiantly on social media. “I’m coming to England on a boat. They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the truth. See you May 16th,” she wrote.
In a video message, she added: “Plan A was by airplane … Plan B is for boats. I’m going to hop on a boat, get free luxury accommodation, deliver my beautiful speech.”
She also suggested that any attempt to arrest her could trigger international involvement, stating: “If they dare to arrest me, I guarantee you that the White House will get involved.”
In the same response, she referred to Mahmood as a “dirty Pakistani Muslim”.
I’m coming to England on a boat.
They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH.
See you on May 16th🏴 pic.twitter.com/dnvyPJbzZ4
— Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA) April 20, 2026
The government’s decision has been welcomed by organisations such as the Muslim Council of Britain, which argued that allowing Gomez into the country would undermine public safety and send the wrong message about tolerance toward hate speech.
Baroness Shaista Gohir in the House of Lords also supported the move, describing Gomez as a “dangerous” figure whose presence could increase tensions.
