Top US author on radical Islamism refuses to visit Britain over fears of 'oppressive' speech police

“I will not risk getting into England at this point,” she said.

“England has become such an oppressive society with no democracy, no free speech, at least not for people who are intellectuals who are able to debate ideas.”

Her refusal, she argued, is symbolic of a broader “brain drain,” in which prominent voices avoid Britain for fear of legal consequences tied to speech.

She suggested that her electronic devices could be confiscated and that she might face investigation or charges related to her views on political Islam.

Ms Gabriel’s remarks come amid ongoing debate in the UK over free speech protections, hate crime legislation, and proposals to tackle "anti-Muslim hostility".

The Labour Government has rejected claims that Britain is hostile to free expression, insisting that laws are designed to prevent incitement and protect communities, not to silence legitimate debate.

Ms Gabriel is not convinced: “You have a two-tier government in England. The debate of ideas in England is dead.”

Ms Gabriel frames her warning through the lens of her childhood in Lebanon.

Born into a Christian family, she grew up during the Lebanese Civil War after her home was destroyed in 1975.

She spent years living in a bomb shelter as the country descended into sectarian violence.

Once known as a prosperous and cosmopolitan nation, Lebanon became engulfed in conflict that reshaped its political and religious balance.

Ms Gabriel argues that the country’s downfall was gradual, fuelled by demographic changes and political movements that used democratic systems to gain influence - a parallel she sees with modern Britain.

Ms Gabriel points to the role of the Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, which seeks to install Islamic governance around the world under one caliphate.

The group long ago dispensed with outright violence, seeking to use the democratic process for their own ends.

Ms Gabriel calls them "radicals in Armani suits".

Several Middle Eastern countries have banned the Brotherhood, but it remains legal in the UK.

According to Ms Gabriel, the lesson from Lebanon is that democracies can be transformed from within if they fail to defend their founding principles.

“Lebanon fell democratically,” she said. “It became a numbers game.”

Critics argue that comparisons between modern Britain and 1970s Lebanon are overstated, noting vast differences in political structure, economic development, and institutional strength.

Nonetheless, Ms Gabriel insists that Western complacency is dangerous, and there are already signs the British state is "submitting" to radical Islam.

In a wide-ranging interview with GB News, Ms Gabriel invoked proposed measures aimed at combating "anti-Muslim hostility", suggesting that such policies risk blurring the line between criticism of religious ideology and hatred toward individuals.

Ms Gabriel was careful to state that her criticism is directed at political Islam rather than Muslims generally.

“There are plenty of peaceful Muslims,” she said. “We love people who want to integrate and contribute.”

During the interview, Ms Gabriel contrasted Britain’s direction with the United States under President Donald Trump, whom she praised for adopting tougher immigration and border policies.

She argued that Western leaders must defend national identity and democratic traditions without apology.

“You should not apologise for your greatness,” she said, referring to Britain’s historical influence and cultural legacy.

For Ms Gabriel, the decision not to travel to Britain is a sign "one of the greatest countries in the world" is hurtling towards its own destruction: “If you cannot debate ideas, your country is on life support.

"We need now to basically resurrect Britain. And the only thing that's going to do that is courage, intellectual integrity, intellectual clarity, a moral obligation to stand up and defend one of the greatest countries on the face of the planet."