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The attempt by Brussels authorities to shut down a conference attended by Suella Braverman and Nigel Farage “will worry anyone believes in free speech”, a UK Government source has told GB News.
Police in Brussels ordered the National Conservative Conference to be shut down today, sparking outrage from speakers and guests alike.
The conference, which is still going on despite an order from the police, had aimed to bring together voices from across Europe to share their views on the continent’s future political outlook.
The Government source told GB News: “It’s unclear exactly what’s happened here, but the scenes will worry anyone who believes in free speech. Free societies should be confident enough to allow free debate.”
The attempt by Brussels authorities to shut down a conference attended by Suella Braverman and Nigel Farage “will worry anyone believes in free speech”, a UK Government source has told GB News
GBN/PA
The Prime Minister’s deputy official spokesperson added that the “no-platforming of speakers is damaging to democracy”.
They said: “Clearly these reports are extremely disturbing. The Prime Minister is a strong supporter and advocate of free speech and believes it is fundamental to any democracy.
“Speaking more broadly to the principle of such events, he is very clear that cancelling events or preventing attendance and no-platforming of speakers is damaging to democracy as a result. Free debate and the exchange of views is vital even when we disagree.”
Emir Kir, the mayor of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode in the Belgian capital, said he had issued an order banning the conference from taking place “to guarantee public safety”.
A report in local outlet the Brussels Times had said “anti-fascist” protesters were threatening the venue with mass protests, and had demanded the event be called off entirely.
Police told GB News they had issued a public order notice due to the “threat of protest” at the event, though sources at the scene reported there had not yet been any sign of demonstrations.
Speaking on stage at Nat Con, Farage described the situation as “monstrous”.
The former MEP hit out at what he called the “extreme intolerance” of authorities in interviews after his speech, asking: “What will this look like around the world?”
Writing on social media after the event, the former Reform UK leader added: “What just happened in Brussels this afternoon was a disgrace.
“For the Mayor and police to shut down a peaceful political event makes me more convinced of Brexit than ever.”
He said it “comes as no surprise” that the Brussels authorities had “done their best” to stop the conference from taking place.
Farage added: “Cancel culture, alive and well”.
Conference organisers said they were launching a legal challenge to Kir’s order, adding: “There is no public disturbance and no grounds to shut down a gathering of politicians, intellectuals, journalists, students, civic leaders, and concerned citizens.
“The police entered the venue on our invitation, saw the proceedings and the press corps, and quickly withdrew. Is it possible they witnessed how peaceful the event is?”
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