Activists challenge Friends House Hospitality bookings
Concerns raised about lettings at Friends House
Anti-extremism campaigners have expressed concern about bookings at Friends House. The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) had invited a leading Hungarian far right MEP and ally of the British National Party, Krisztina Morvai, to speak at their conference later this month. This invitation was subsequently withdrawn following the withdrawal of Labour MP Neil Gerrard from the conference, although the PRC did not disavow Krisztina’s views.
Maurice Cousins, of the anti-racist campaign group Nothing British About The BNP, explained: ‘Friends House, I believe, have been deeply naive to approve this event without actually checking who the speakers were’. Another event at Friends House, organised by Hizb ut-Tahrir, was recently challenged by a Glasgow Friend and Nothing British About the BNP. Hizb ut-Tahrir, which campaigns for the establishment of an Islamic state across the Middle East, has been accused of extremist activities and is banned in some countries.
Paul Grey, head of hospitality and facilities at Friends House told the Friend: ‘The Quakers let Friends House to a wide range of organisations. The freedom to gather is an important principle for Quakers. We have a clearly defined policy setting out standards we expect of our lettings customers. They are asked to abide by terms and conditions which are on
www.friendshouse.co.uk.’
Comments
Thank you for this, Joe. A couple of minor points… Glasgow is part of my surname! My last brick ‘n stone Meeting was Edinburgh South. Furthermore, although Nothing British About the BNP has discussed the Hizb ut Tahrir event, as far as I’m aware, they haven’t led on it. I can fully appreciate any editorial decisions not to print certain statements or views attributed to Krisztina Morvai. I hope this article sparks a discussion, and queries can be directed at my e-mail address (removing the spam filter, of course).
By woundwort on 2nd December 2009 - 15:12
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