Corbyn film banned at Glastonbury.

 

Jeremy Corbyn

The decision by the Glastonbury Festival to ban a film about the downfall of Jeremy Corbyn, is yet another blow to freedom of speech in Britain. After receiving a letter from Marie van der Zyl, the president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews (BDBJ), the Glastonbury Festival have cancelled the screening of the film 'Oh, Jeremy Corbyn: The Big Lie', which was due to be shown at the Pilton Palais cinema on Sunday 25th of June.

Marie van der Zyl, told festival organisers, Michael and Emily Eavis, that it would be "profoundly sinister", to have such a film platformed at the Glastonbury festival. The film which is narrated by the left-wing Jewish comedian Alexei Sayle, challenges the accusations of antisemitism made against the former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The film which was produced by Platforms Films and which features contributions by the the film director Ken Loach and writer Jackie Walker, claims to "explore the dark and murky story of political deceit and outrageous anti-Semitic smears", which were used to topple Jeremy Corbyn who was replaced by former Trotskyist and Zionist, Sir Keir Starmer.

The BDBJ, who have recently been trying to cancel the former Pink Floyd band member Roger Waters, from performing his concerts, alleging antisemitism, tweeted: "We are pleased that in the wake of a letter we sent earlier today, @glastonbury have announced the cancellation of the screening of this film. Hateful conspiracy theories should have no place in our society." In her letter to the Eavis's, Marie van der Zyl, also referred to a review by Paul Mason, who has also called for the film to be banned by the Glastonbury festival. Mason, a left-wing writer and journalist, and former member of the Trotskyist Workers' Power group, is hoping to become a Labour MP at the next general election.

Critics and supporters of Jeremy Corbyn, have accused the festival organisers of censorship in banning the film. In 2017, Jeremy Corbyn appeared on the Pyramid stage at the Glastonbury festival where he addressed huge crowds. The festival founder, Michael Eavis, a Quaker, referred to Corbyn as the "hero of the hour."

In a statement, a Glastonbury representative, said: "Although we believe that the Pilton Palais booked this film in good faith, in the hope of providing political debate, it's become clear that it is not appropriate for us to screen it at the festival. Glastonbury is about unity, and we stand against all forms of discrimination."

The Glastonbury cinema team had previously been promoting the film and said on their website, that this, "might be a rare opportunity to watch the banned Corbyn documentary." The Big Lie' producer, Norman Thomas, said: "They don't want people to know the truth and they don't want films like this to be seen. And they know how to put the boot in."