Flemish far-right politician banned from entering United Kingdom

©picture alliance / AA | Dursun Aydemir

The British government has revoked the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) visa of Flemish Member of Parliament Filip Dewinter (Vlaams Belang). As a result, the seasoned, Flemish far-right politician can no longer enter the United Kingdom. Filip Dewinter himself reported this on his social media on Tuesday.

Belgian politician Filip Dewinter had been invited by British activist and journalist Tommy Robinson to take part in Saturday's rally against mass immigration and Islamization "Unite the West" in London. But now, it seems the Belgian politician will not get there, much to the frustration of the Vlaams Belang leader himself. "Instead of applying for ETA, perhaps I should have sailed from the Belgian coast to Dover in an inflatable boat, destroyed my passport and asked for political asylum. Then I might have been welcomed with open arms by (British Prime Minister) Starmer," Filip Dewinter responded in his own unique way.

An official e-mail from British authorities states that Dewinter's ETA "was cancelled as of May 5, 2026" because his presence "would not be conducive to the public interest." The decision cannot be appealed.

Vlaams Belang chairman Tom Van Grieken speaks on his channels of a dangerous precedent: "If members of parliament are denied entry to a friendly European country because their opinions do not suit the government, then democracy turns into a dictatorship." He has therefore sent a letter to the British ambassador in Belgium to ask for more explanation about this remarkable decision.

©picture alliance / AA | Dursun Aydemir