A PETITION has been created urging the Usher Hall to cancel Boris Johnson’s recently announced live show.
Over 250 people have signed since the petition was created yesterday, after Boris Johnson announced the live show titled An Evening with Boris Johnson on Monday.
The former Prime Minister is also offering a meet and greet, costing £121 on top of ticket prices which range from £53.90 to £159.50.
The petition states that the values of Usher Hall should not be “compromised by granting a stage to divisive political figures”.
Johnson’s show sparked controversy when it was announced earlier this week, as it offers £121 tickets for a meet and greet reported to consist of a handshake and a photograph.
A petition launched yesterday is calling for Karl Chapman, the General Manager of Usher Hall to cancel the event in order to protect its cultural identity.
It reads: “Allowing 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 sets a dangerous precedent for who is given the privilege of addressing audiences in one of Edinburgh’s most treasured institutions.”
Johnson served as Prime Minister of the UK from 2019 till 2022, during which he was accused of flouting Covid rules by holding multiple gatherings in 10 Downing Street during lockdowns.
The Metropolitan Police state that they issued a total of 126 fixed penalty notices in response to these events, which included fines to Johnson, his wife Carrie, and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The petition for “Usher Hall to cancel Boris Johnson’s event” now has over 260 signatures with over one hundred signing just today, and states: “Boris 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.
“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.”
Signatories give reasons for showing their support, with one saying: “Boris Johnson disgusts me.
“He lies continually and consistently, seems to have no moral values, was a disaster and disgrace as Prime Minister and should be left to stew in infamous loneliness instead of profiting from appalling behaviour.”
Another commented: “We must stop encouraging these people.
“Boris Johnson is a known liar who showed contempt for every person in the country.
“If you allow people like him to put on a show at the Usher Hall, next it’ll be Farage, or another of these right-wing loons.”
A third replied: “Boris partied while families were not allowed to be with loved ones dying in hospital.
“And he has retracted his apology for this.
“He’s a deeply unpleasant man who should not be promoted by the Usher Hall.”
Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener and spokesperson for Usher Hall said today:
“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 our customers.”
