French philosopher Renaud Camus has spoken out after being banned from entering the UK.
Camus, 78, who is a proponent of the Great Replacement theory, sat down with Matt Goodwin for State of the Nation on GB News.
Responding to the Home Office's decision to block his entry, Camus said: "Well, I was sort of amused.
"I very much like England and, of course, in my idea England has been the country of free speech par excellence.
Renaud Camus sat down with GB News
GB NEWS
"It's just sort of amusing to be banned for saying what I like to say in the conference in England."
He added: "I was probably banned because they thought I was an adversary to what is going on in this country now, which I am very much.
"I think what is going on in England as what is going on in France or any of the western countries is a crime.
"I disagree very much with all of these governments and it's not very surprising that they see me as an adversary, I am very much."
UK Border sign is seen at the arrivals passport control and visa area of London Heathrow Airport LHR GETTYIn an email seen by The Telegraph, the Home Office informed Camus that he had been denied the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) needed to enter Britain.
“Your presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good,” the email read.
Vauban Books, the independent publisher of Camus’ work in English, said: “The decision to bar Renaud Camus from the UK is only further confirmation that that country has abandoned the most basic principles of liberal democracy.
“Camus is one of our greatest living writers and will be remembered as such by posterity. The Starmer government, by contrast, will be remembered – if it’s remembered at all – only for its serial betrayals and profound mediocrity.
Matt Goodwin
GB NEWS
“Here as elsewhere, it has inadvertently shown just how precious Camus’ voice is, now more than ever.”
However, denying Camus's entry comes amid a growing free speech row in Britain.
There have been a number of high profile free speech rows in recent months, including Northamptonshire childminder Lucy Connolly being imprisoned for her Southport social media posts and Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson facing an investigation for a "non-crime hate incident".
US Vice President JD Vance also blasted Sir Keir Starmer over the issue during the Prime Minister's visit to the White House in February.
Responding to Camus being blocked from entering the UK, the Home Office said: "It is our longstanding policy not to comment on individual cases."
