The National Conservatism Conference in Brussels, attended by political figures such as Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman, was abruptly shut down by police to ensure public safety. The event, which also featured right-wing Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, faced multiple venue changes before being terminated by local authorities.
Despite the police intervention, speeches continued at the conference, with attendees given 15 minutes to leave the venue. The Edmund Burke Foundation think tank, hosting the event, aims to promote national conservatism in Western countries.
Criticism was directed at Ms. Braverman for sharing a platform with a figure accused of cracking down on gay rights and press freedom. The Liberal Democrats condemned her actions, with foreign affairs spokesman Layla Moran calling it “staggering” for a former home secretary to align with such ideologies.
Mr. Farage, in a video posted online, expressed frustration at the cancel culture in Brussels and the pressure faced by the conference organizers. The event had already faced challenges with venue cancellations and protests from groups like Antifa.
The controversy surrounding the conference highlights the ongoing debate over political ideologies and the boundaries of free speech in today’s society.