Heightened security in place at SNP MP’s Fringe show over ‘safety fears’
Joanna Cherry will appear at The Stand on Thursday where extra security measures have been put in place.
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Heightened security measures such as bag searches and metal detectors will be in place at Joanna Cherry’s Edinburgh Fringe show next week as a result of safety fears.
Ms Cherry is due to speak at The Stand on Thursday in a show which was initially cancelled because some members of staff at the venue felt uncomfortable with her “gender critical” views.
The SNP MP, who represents Edinburgh South West, claimed there were threats to her personal safety as a result of the event.
Attendees will have bags searched and no alcohol will be served at the venue while the show is going on.
It’s a disgrace that any public speaker should face threats to personal safety on account of their sexuality and feminist beliefs
Ms Cherry had threatened the venue with legal action, claiming she was removed from the billing as a result of “being a lesbian with gender critical views”.
The controversial MP has previously said somebody’s sex is immutable and has raised concerns about free speech.
On Sunday, after the heightened security measures were reported in The Herald, Ms Cherry tweeted: “Today’s Herald reveals the price of free speech in modern Scotland.
“It’s a disgrace that any public speaker should face threats to personal safety on account of their sexuality and feminist beliefs. Those responsible should hang their heads in shame.”
A statement from The Stand said: “Following an external risk assessment and in consultation with Police Scotland, The Stand will employ extra measures to ensure the safety of everyone involved with staging the show and members of the audience.
“Unfortunately, to allow extra bag searches to take place on entrance to the theatre, we have had to close our bar for the hour-long duration of the event which starts at 12 noon on Thursday.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers but clearly we can’t compromise on safety for this or any other show.”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.