Controversial right-wing speaker Katie Hopkins is set to return to Stroud next week.
The former Apprentice TV star is set to appear again at the Star Inn, Whiteshill on Thursday, January 11 to deliver a two-hour show from 8pm.
Last September, Hopkins was left dumbfounded, after claiming a council member had put the brakes on her chance to bring her ‘Infectious’ tour to Stroud, which is described as the “perfect place to think, speak and laugh freely”.
Despite cancellations at the Convent in Beeches Green and a venue in Paganhill, The Star Inn at Whiteshill, agreed to step in and host the far-right commentator.
Earlier, members from Roma for The RYSE, Stroud against Racism, Stroud constituency Labour Party, Community Independents, Stroud District Green Party plus members from Community Solidarity Stroud District gathered in the car park outside the Old Convent before moving to protest outside The Star Inn, where Hopkins finally found a location to perform her show to 100 people.
James Beecher, a member of Community Solidarity Stroud District, said: “We don’t think someone with her record should have been invited to Stroud – and are pleased to see the community coming together to make this clear.
“We’re using our free speech to challenge the things Katie Hopkins says.
“We want to be absolutely clear that Katie Hopkins record speaks for itself and that she is no more welcome in Stroud than she was in South Africa.”
Steve Lydon, Chair of Stroud Constituency Labour Party said: “We as the Labour Party are proud to stand with other members of the community to show our abhorrence of the views of Katie Hopkins.
“She is not welcome here.”
