Academics demand UK let climate scholar Andreas Malm return

More than 1,400 researchers from 250 institutions have signed a letter demanding the UK government reverse its block on climate scholar Andreas Malm.

Malm was stopped by immigration officials last week when he arrived in the country. The Home Office told him his presence might not be conducive to the public good. This action revoked his electronic travel authorization, preventing him from staying for his planned engagements.

The scholar had three specific reasons for the trip. He intended to speak at an academic conference on Wednesday. He was scheduled to appear on a BBC program. He also planned to join a public discussion with Huda Ammori, a co-founder of the proscribed group Palestine Action, hosted by the publication Tribune.

Malm said he suspected the panel appearance caused the issue. He told the BBC that his presence alongside Ammori made him seem associated with terrorism. He called the move scandalous and part of a larger trend targeting climate and Palestine movements. He noted that UK authorities kept him in the dark regarding the specific reasons for the ETA revocation.

The open letter describes the decision as a grave violation of academic freedom. Signatories argue that excluding scholars based on political views creates a chilling effect on public discourse. The group urges the government to overturn the ruling to protect the UK's reputation for open intellectual debate.

Fabian Dablander, an assistant professor at the London School of Economics, initiated the letter. He stated that the rapid accumulation of signatures reflects deep concern within the academic community. The letter has been signed by more than 1,400 individuals from over 250 academic institutions, including leading universities worldwide.

A Home Office spokesperson responded that refusing an ETA can happen for various reasons. These include concerns about public safety or the spread of extremism. The official clarified that this is not a permanent ban on entering the UK. Individuals in this position can still apply for a standard visa for further consideration.