Valentina Gomez has been blocked from entering the UK after the Home Secretary withdrew permission for her to attend a far-right rally in London. The US-based anti-Islam influencer had been authorised to travel with a UK electronic travel authorisation, but that approval was later reversed. The move came ahead of the Unite the Kingdom rally scheduled for 16 May in London.
Home Secretary intervenes before London rally
The decision affects Gomez’s planned appearance at the Unite the Kingdom rally organised by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. A source close to the Home Secretary said the permission was withdrawn because Gomez’s presence “would not be conducive to the public good. ”
That same public-good test was used earlier this month when permission for Kanye West, now known as Ye, was refused for travel to the UK. In his case, the ETA was withdrawn after concerns over a string of antisemitic, racist and pro-Nazi comments. The government later said West had apologised for his comments and blamed them on his bipolar disorder.
Valentina Gomez, 26, had previously appeared at the first Unite the Kingdom rally in September, where she delivered highly inflammatory remarks from the stage. She told the crowd that “rapist Muslims” were “taking over” the UK and urged police officers to stop following orders.
Valentina Gomez and the pressure over double standards
Pressure had been building on the Home Office to act. Crossbench peer Shaista Gohir wrote on X two days ago that the department should “show consistent standards and deny UK entry to Valentina Gomez. ” The Muslim Council of Britain also raised concerns after Gomez’s ETA approval became public, warning of “clear double standards” in how freedom of speech is applied.
“Others have been denied entry to the UK for rhetoric directed at different faith groups, ” the Muslim Council of Britain said. “This inconsistency raises serious concerns about whose speech is deemed unacceptable and who is permitted. ” The organisation argued that allowing Valentina Gomez into the country to speak on such a platform would grant legitimacy and send “a troubling message” about Home Office standards.
Valentina Gomez, who was born in Colombia and describes herself as a Christian, has gained notoriety through a series of anti-Islam stunts. In August last year, she burned a copy of the Qur’an and said she wanted to rid Texas of the religion if elected to Congress. In another video, she said her goal was to “end Islam in Texas. ”
What the UK decision means now
The key question is whether the withdrawal of authorisation will stand as the final word, or whether further political pressure will shape the next step. An ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK, and border officials still have the power to refuse admission.
For now, the government has drawn a line around Valentina Gomez, linking her case to its broader position on promoting hatred and extremist views. The row over Valentina Gomez is likely to keep attention on how the UK handles future entries tied to divisive public figures and public-order concerns.
