Nigel Farage issues chilling free speech warning after Reform UK meeting in ‘Norfolk’s poshest town’ cancelled

Farage compared the incident at Holt Community Centre in North Norfolk to the “intimidatory” protest held outside Reform UK’s Redruth rally.

He said: “I do not know the circumstances at Holt but I am guessing there may have been similar issues with intimidation.

Aquarone saw off ex-Tory MP Duncan Baker by 2,585 votes, with Reform UK’s Jason Patchett hoovering up 6,368 ballots.

Addressing concerns about free speech, Aquarone appeared to sympathise with his political rivals.

“Hearing from people whose views we don’t agree with is absolutely essential,” he said.

Aquarone added: “So far, no reason has been given for the cancellation, and of course, issues like public safety concerns, staff shortages or a change in the venue’s availability could be potential causes.”

However, local Liberal Democrat Councillor Callum Ringer highlighted that Reform UK had a stall in the town centre.

“It all seems a bit theatrical,” he argued.

Holt Community Centre, which will hold a committee meeting on the cancellation later today, has declined to comment on the reasons for the cancellation.

Sources close to the community centre have told local news outlets that the reason for the cancellation stemmed from concerns about safety and security.

However, the venue previously hosted events for local Tories and even Ukip during Farage’s stint as leader of the Eurosceptic party.

The Clacton MP has twice visited Holt during his career, describing his previous experiences as “lovely”.

However, the row in Holt blew up after local Reform organiser Gary Hughes said: “Holt Community Centre has cancelled our booking for tomorrow, effectively denying us the right of free speech.

“I apologise if you had made plans to join us but so much for democracy. This is how it appears to work these days.”