Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood barred Valentina Gomez from entering the UK, according to multiple reports. The Home Office said the decision was made because Gomez's presence in the UK would not be conducive to the public good. Gomez had already secured clearance through the UK's electronic visa system before being blocked, according to reports.
Gomez had planned to speak at a rally organized by Tommy Robinson in London on May 16, according to multiple reports. She posted on Instagram: 'VISA APPROVED.' In a video on X, Gomez said: 'They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH. See you on May 16th.' She also claimed she would attempt to enter the UK via a small boat.
Gomez, 26, was born in Colombia and is based in the United States, according to reports. She previously filmed herself burning a copy of the Quran. At a previous Unite the Kingdom march in London in September, according to Daily Express - UK News, Gomez described 'rapist Muslims' and described Islam as 'the sword that the left is using to destroy Christian nations'.
The Muslim Council of Britain wrote to the Home Secretary on April 17 warning that allowing Gomez to speak would grant legitimacy and send a troubling message, according to reports. The council welcomed the ban and said it should act as a precedent for others who promote disinformation and hatred. The Home Office has previously used its powers to block entry to individuals deemed likely to cause public disorder or spread extremist messaging. Earlier this month, the government refused permission for rapper Kanye West to enter the UK to perform at Wireless Festival following concerns about his antisemitic remarks, according to reports.