Cancel culture has taken over writers’ union, claim authors

THE Society of Authors has been “lost” to cancel culture, members fear, after free speech rebels failed to oust the current chairman in a row over gender ideology.

The UK’S largest writers’ union has faced an internal revolt over claims it has not properly defended gender-critical authors from being “cancelled” if they do not agree with prevailing opinions or if they show support for figures such as JK Rowling who have been accused of “transphobia”.

Rebel members tried to oust Joanne Harris, the society president and author of Chocolat, for creating “a culture of fear that is inimical to writing”, but these efforts have failed and some authors fear their union is now “lost”.

Writers including Julie Bindel and Amanda Craig brought a motion at its AGM last night, which sought to have Harris removed as president, and another which aimed to introduce “robust” measures to protect free speech.

Both motions were voted down, and some rebel writers are now considering forming a breakaway group, with others expected to quit in protest.

Ms Craig had raised concerns about this leadership at the AGM, saying: “Its silence when authors are dropped by agents and publishers for holding views deemed by some to be unpalatable, and its silence in the wake of many requests by members to condemn the online attacks against JK Rowling ... have helped to fuel increasing intolerance.”

The Society of Authors has been contacted for comment.