Anti-racism campaigner’s London book events cancelled amid threat of far-right violence

After the summer riots, the threat from the far right is being taken more seriously by venues and events. Photograph: Vuk Valcic/Zuma Press/Rex/Shutterstock

Hanif Kureishi, Billy Bragg and freedom of speech groups have voiced alarm after a number of venues cancelled events to promote a book by an anti-racism campaigner amid threats and fears that the recent riots have emboldened the far right.

An east London bookshop this week became the latest venue to pull plans to promote Rebel Sounds, a book about the role music plays in the fight against racism and other struggles.