Anti-racism campaigner’s London book events cancelled amid threat of far-right violence

Freedom of speech groups alarmed after events to promote book by Hope Not Hate employee are called off

Hanif Kureishi, Billy Bragg and freedom of speech groups have voiced alarm after a number of venues cancelled events to promote a book by an anti-racism campaigner amid threats and fears that the recent riots have emboldened the far right.

An east London bookshop this week became the latest venue to pull plans to promote Rebel Sounds, a book about the role music plays in the fight against racism and other struggles.