Denied entry in 2008; how to disclose on visa application?

Hi all,

I’m an American. I’m currently living in the UK with my British partner in Oxford for the 6 months I’m allowed to be here without a visa. I’m returning to the US at the end of October in order to apply for my family visa; we’re engaged and, assuming our visa is approved, want to get married here in May 2024.

In 2008 I was volunteering with Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms and planning to come and volunteer on an organic farm outside of Plymouth. I was also planning on spending time with my partner, who was living in Plymouth at the time. WWOOF was a registered charity, so I should not have needed a visa for entry, but when I flew in through Cardiff they believed I was entering the country as a paid farm labourer without a visa and I was denied entry. My partner contacted his MP at the time for support, and while I believe his MP answered that they’d look into it, the situation wasn’t resolved.

I didn’t return to the UK again until 2018, but haven’t had difficulty entering the country when visiting my partner since.

I believe I should disclose this on my visa application, as I don’t want to appear to be hiding it. Do you agree? Do any of you have any advice on how I should disclose it? Or any steps I should take to mitigate the issue before entering my application?

Thank you so much for your advice! This group has already been really helpful, we both appreciate all of you a lot.