Advance UK 'will still launch' despite hotel block

Advance UK did not specify when or where the launch had been moved to

A political party backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson said it still planned to hold its launch despite having its hotel booking for the event cancelled.

Advance UK, led by former Reform deputy leader Ben Habib, was due to hold the launch at the council-owned Crowne Plaza Hotel in Newcastle, in north-east England, on Saturday.

Following online criticism, the hotel's management cancelled the booking "on health and safety grounds", Newcastle City Council said. The hotel has been approached for comment.

In a post on X, Mr Habib said "no threats or smears" would stop his party from launching at the weekend, but he has not said when or where in the city.

"Our members have a right for political association and gathering," he said.

"We will peaceably exercise that right without fear."

The Labour-led authority took over ownership of the hotel from a private firm in March, but the venue is run by a separate company.

A council spokesperson said: "As the owner of the hotel, we absolutely support their decision to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff members, guests and visitors to the hotel."

Ben Habib said the Advance UK launch would take place, but not where or when

Mr Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, backed Advance UK in August, writing on X that he wanted a "political home".

Labour North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said his "brand of hate and division offers the people of the North East absolutely nothing".

"If his group comes here to launch a new political party on Saturday, we make clear we see them for what they are," she said.

In a video posted on X, Mr Habib said Mr Robinson did not represent the views of the party.

"Tommy Robinson is one member of over 35,000 members in Advance UK, just as the other 35,000 plus members do not represent Advance UK, nor does Tommy Robinson," he said.

"As far as the charge of racism is concerned, I want everyone to know that I am leader of Advance UK and my father is a Pakistani Muslim.

"I am not racist and my party is not racist."

Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.