A CROSS-PARTY free speech event which was due to be held at the County Hotel in Newcastle on Saturday has been cancelled by the hotel following extreme pressure from an extreme far-left fascist group, Politicalite can reveal.
Following pressure from “Stand up to Racism”, the hotel banned the upcoming event in what UKIP sources branded a “bizarre move”.
UKIP told Politicalite last night: “They have hosted many UKIP events and meetings before, they decided to cancel the booking made by the party’s regional chairman along with banning him from making future “personal” bookings too.”
Richard Elvin had been planning on holding his daughter’s wedding at the venue, but now faces the prospect of finding an alternative.
UKIP Leader and former Tory MP Neil Hamilton told Politicalite: “This is an utterly anomalous move by Newcastle’s County Hotel who have been host of many UKIP events before.”
“It’s frankly unbelievable that an event designed to talk about the importance of freedom of speech is cancelled because a small section of society would rather suppress such freedoms”.
“The event which boasted such speakers like former MP Lembit Opik, Political commentator Sophie Corcoran and former Mr Universe Eddy Ellwood, will be rescheduled. “
Unfortunately, a suitable venue couldn’t be re-organised as such short notice.
UKIP National Party Chairman Ben Walker told Politicalite: “Sincere thanks go to the event organisers and speakers who recognise the importance of a society where people can express themselves and their ideas in a considerate manner and are willing to discuss them.”
“You don’t have to agree, but it cannot be acceptable to shut them down. If you don’t agree – debate. “
“Unfortunately for hard-line leftist groups such as these, UKIP isn’t going away, and the event will still take place”.
The move follows a Bolton hotel banning an event by ex-UKIP leader Nigel Farage last month.
Politicalite contacted County Hotel for comment but received no reply.
