Pub’s fury at ‘neo-nazi’ claim over St George’s Day event
‘WE ARE NOT SUPPORTIVE OF HATE’
ONE of Nottingham’s most historic pubs has rubbished false claims that it is allowing a “neo-nazi” group to host an event.
Social media users speculated that Ye Olde Salutation was being used by Patriotic Alternative (PA), described by The Times last year as “Britain’s largest far-right, white supremacist movement”, for St George’s Day today.
However, the venue is instead being used by the Radford branch of the Royal Society of St George, which has no affiliation with the group. The pub and the organisers both emphasised that PA members would not be welcome.
“There’s a big thing going around that Patriotic Alternative are hosting something here on St George’s Day,” said a post on the pub’s Facebook page.
“Patriotic Alternative are seen as a fascist neo-nazi group and we are not associated with this group at all and do not want anything to do with this group.
“We recently cancelled a gig that was booked here because of similar views so we’d like to make it very clear we are not supportive of any form of hate.
“Patriotic Alternative have not been invited by us and they are not welcome here.”
Phil Harwood, secretary of the St George branch, condemned PA or “any organisation of any political or hate background” using the event for their own gain. “We are here to celebrate our patriotism in a fun and friendly safe environment and if you do not adhere to the above you are not welcome,” he said in a comment on the pub’s post.
On Sunday, social media users suggested the event was being used as a Patriotic Alternative fundraiser after it posted about the event on its website.
Councillor Matt Shannon, who represents the Castle ward on Nottingham City Council, pointed out the event was not for PA, but said the group was trying instead to hijack it.
“It’s for a charity called the Royal Society of St George,” he commented.
“PA are trying to associate themselves with legitimate patriotism, as the far-right do.”