A PETITION has been launched protesting against Boris Johnson’s forthcoming appearance at a prestigious Edinburgh venue.
The former Tory prime minister is booked to speak at the Usher Hall in September with ticket prices starting at £53.90 and rising to £159.50.
However, a petition launched last Wednesday calling for the event to be cancelled has already gathered hundreds of signatures.
The petition states that Edinburgh’s world-renowned cultural institutions should be “beacons of artistic and intellectual enrichment, not platforms for individuals whose actions have deeply harmed our country’s economy and international reputation”.
Johnson’s appearance at a “treasured” cultural venue would create a dangerous precedent and should not used as a tool for political rehabilitation, according to the protestors.
The petition points out that the Usher Hall, a historic landmark of Edinburgh’s artistic scene since 1914, was built through the philanthropy of whisky magnate Andrew Usher to serve as a cultural gift to the city. Over the years, it has hosted some of the world’s most famous figures, from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to the finest performances of the Edinburgh International Festival.
“It is a venue that symbolises artistic excellence, unity, and progress – values that should not be compromised by granting a stage to divisive political figures,” the petition says, adding that Johnson’s record is not one that aligns with the spirit of Usher Hall or the values of Edinburgh.
“His tenure as Prime Minister saw the UK driven into economic instability, with Brexit executed in chaos and austerity measures deepening the struggles of millions,” it says.
“Under his leadership, the UK’s GDP suffered a catastrophic 20.6% decline in April 2020 – the worst collapse in 300 years, according to the Office for National Statistics. His actions have damaged the country’s global standing, sowed division, and weakened trust in political leadership.”
The petition claims that allowing the Usher Hall to be used as a platform for such a figure tarnishes its legacy and contradicts the progressive, inclusive and culturally rich identity that Edinburgh holds dear.
“We call on Usher Hall to reconsider and cancel this event. Hosting Boris Johnson would not only alienate the very citizens and artists who make this venue great, but also set a dangerous precedent for who is given the privilege of addressing audiences in one of Edinburgh’s most treasured institutions,” the petition says.
“We urge Usher Hall to stand by the principles of artistic and intellectual integrity by refusing to be a tool for political rehabilitation. Cancel this event and preserve Usher Hall’s legacy as a venue that uplifts and unites rather than divides.
“Let’s keep Edinburgh’s cultural institutions true to their purpose.”
The Usher Hall is owned by the Labour-controlled Edinburgh Council.
Val Walker, culture and communities convener, said: “We acknowledge this event will attract differing points of view but the booking was accepted as it meets the criteria outlined in our booking policy. This ensures we can continue to provide a welcoming space for diverse events and voices, while also considering the values and expectations of customers.”
