Labour MP Dawn Butler withdraws from Hay festival in sponsorship row

Butler is among several writers refusing to appear at the literary festival over sponsor Baillie Gifford's alleged involvement in technology and arms in Israel'

Labour MP Dawn Butler and author Grace Blakeley are among those who have withdrawn from scheduled appearances at Hay festival over its sponsorship by investment management firm Baillie Gifford.

Butler said in a video posted to X that she was withdrawing from the literary festival because Baillie Gifford is involved directly or indirectly in technology and arms in Israel".