Andreas Malm, a Swedish academic and author best known for How to Blow Up a Pipeline, has sharply criticised the UK government after learning that his electronic travel authorisation (ETA) had been revoked.
Malm said he had been "kept in the dark" by immigration officials about why the authorisation was cancelled and described the action as part of a "drift into authoritarianism." The cancellation prevented him from travelling to the UK.
The decision to remove Malm’s ETA has prompted criticism, with opponents arguing the move raises questions about the use of immigration controls in response to controversial public figures and ideas. Malm has been a prominent voice in debates about climate activism and tactics, and his work has attracted both attention and controversy.
Malm’s account, and the wider reaction to it, has focused attention on transparency in the administration of travel authorisations and the broader tension between public order and freedom of expression. The Home Office or other UK immigration authorities have not published a full public explanation for the revocation, according to Malm’s comments.
Observers said the episode may intensify debate in Britain over how the state handles visits by outspoken international figures and the limits of acceptable dissent. Supporters of Malm and free-speech advocates said the case underscores the need for clear procedures and reasons when authorisations are withdrawn.