'Democracy's under attack!' Nigel Farage issues chilling free speech warning after 'outrageous' decision to cancel Reform meeting in 'Norfolk's poshest town'

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.

"Clearly, democracy is under attack by the extreme left-wing mob. This is a threat to the political process."

Reform UK's Great Yarmouth MP Rupert Lowe also told Eastern Daily Press: "Cancelling a Reform meeting for political reasons is outrageous.

"We live in a democratic society and that means tolerating opinions, even if you don't agree with them yourself."

North Norfolk, which fell to the Tories in 2019, voted for Liberal Democrat Steffan Aquarone last year.

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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."

Local residents were divided on whether the move was the right one, with one describing Reform UK as "ignorant bigots" but another describing the cancellation as "narrow-minded.

Reform supporter Martin Pearse said: "Nothing worse than anti-British leftie virtue-signalling woke nonentities."

However, Tracey Weston claimed: "Reform is different to any other political party as it goes against everything that Britain stood for."

GB News has approached Holt Community Centre for comment.

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