Academics call on UK to reverse decision blocking Andreas Malm’s entry

More than 900 academics have urged the UK government to reverse a decision that prevented climate scholar Andreas Malm from entering the country last week. Their opposition is set out in an open letter warning that the move threatens academic freedom and freedom of expression. More than 1,400 people from over 250 academic institutions have signed the letter so far.

Malm, an associate professor at Sweden’s Lund University and the author of How to Blow Up a Pipeline, had planned several appearances in the UK. These included an academic conference on Wednesday, a BBC appearance and a public discussion organised by Tribune with Huda Ammori, a co-founder of the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.

The Home Office revoked Malm’s electronic travel authorisation, known as an ETA, after telling him that his presence in Britain might not be conducive to the public good. Malm said immigration authorities had not explained the reasons for the cancellation. He suspected the decision was connected to his planned appearance alongside Ammori.

In an interview with the BBC earlier this week, Malm said he could see no explanation other than the Wednesday evening panel in London. He argued that appearing with Ammori seemed to have led to him being treated as associated with terrorism, describing that prospect as “pretty scandalous”. He also characterised the decision as part of a broader authoritarian trend directed at the Palestine movement, climate campaigners and others.

The open letter argues that scholars must be able to cross borders, share ideas and take part in public discussions, including those involving political controversy. Its signatories warn that excluding academics over their political positions or subjects of discussion could establish a dangerous precedent and discourage academic and wider public debate.

Responding to the case, a Home Office spokesperson said an ETA could be cancelled or refused for various reasons, including concerns about a potential threat to public safety or the spread of extremism. The spokesperson said cancellation did not amount to a ban on entering Britain, because those affected could apply for a visa allowing further assessment of their circumstances and suitability.

Fabian Dablander, an assistant professor at the London School of Economics who initiated the letter, said the rapid accumulation of hundreds of signatures demonstrated the depth of concern among academics. He said the decision threatened both academic freedom and Britain’s standing as a place where open intellectual discussion could take place.