Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall has cancelled a show featuring Iain Dale.
The broadcaster was due to appear at the Hope Street venue with Jacqui Smith for a live version of their ‘For The Many’ podcast on September 22.
But Dale’s previous role in publishing Norman Bettison’s 2016 recollections about the Hillsborough disaster prompted social media outcry within the city.
The former South Yorkshire Police inspector was accused of trying to blame Liverpool fans for the unlawful killing of 97 people following the 1989 tragedy.
Biteback Publishing also released books by Kelvin MacKenzie, who smeared survivors in The Sun’s coverage of Hillsborough, during Dale’s time as managing director.
Following mounting pressure from campaigners, the Philharmonic confirmed on Friday that the event with the talk radio presenter has now been cancelled.
“Iain Dale’s event ‘For The Many: Live’ due to take place in the Music Room in September has been cancelled,” read a statement.
“Liverpool Philharmonic has made the decision that the event is not appropriate due to local sensitivities.
“We value the trust and support of our community and take our responsibility to uphold our shared values seriously.”
Dale responded to the news by claiming that he had previously hosted two events in the city and that the Philharmonic ‘didn’t show any backbone at all.
Writing on his personal website, he said: “I have covered issues related to Hillsborough on my radio show many times over the last 14 years and have never been anything less than supportive to all those were affected by that terrible tragedy.
“I’ve done interviews with people in Liverpool who lost family members.
“Had the Philharmonic actually bothered to get in touch with me, I could have explained that to them.”