Key Points
- The Grand Sapphire Hotel in Croydon cancelled a Reform UK Christmas party scheduled for this evening after pressure from activist group Stand Up to Racism.
- Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice described the cancellation as “an attack on free speech” and an “absolute outrage,” comparing it to North Korea.
- The £100-a-head fundraising event was set to occur on a Croydon industrial estate, but the hotel reneged on its contract at the last minute.
- Hotel owner Suleman Raza, a Pakistani-born entrepreneur who arrived in the UK in 2000, has not responded to requests for comment.
- Croydon has a Muslim population of approximately 40,000, and the decision sparked anger, with Facebook users on the Muslims of South London group criticising Raza for lacking ethics and morals, claiming “money talks.”
- Tice spoke to GB News, condemning the hotel’s “appalling” decision and affirming that political parties are allowed to hold Christmas parties in the UK.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
The Grand Sapphire Hotel in Croydon abruptly cancelled a Reform UK Christmas fundraising event scheduled for this evening, prompting sharp criticism from the party’s deputy leader Richard Tice as an assault on free speech. The £100-a-head gathering, planned for an industrial estate venue owned by Pakistani-born entrepreneur Suleman Raza, fell victim to last-minute pushback from activist group Stand Up to Racism amid local protests. Tice, speaking to GB News, labelled the move “an absolute outrage,” insisting that the UK is not North Korea and political parties have the right to host such events.
What Led to the Cancellation of the Reform UK Event?
The decision by the Grand Sapphire Hotel to pull out came after significant backlash from Stand Up to Racism, an activist group opposing the booking. According to details from the initial reporting, the hotel reneged on its contract at the last minute, leaving Reform UK scrambling. As reported by journalists covering the story, this pushback intensified due to the venue’s location in Croydon, an area with a substantial Muslim community of around 40,000 residents.
Local sentiment boiled over on social media platforms. On the Facebook group Muslims of South London, one user criticised Suleman Raza, stating about him: “some people have no ethics or morals.” Another user remarked: “money talks,” highlighting perceptions that financial gain influenced the initial agreement. Raza, who came to the UK in 2000, has not responded to requests for comment from media outlets seeking his perspective on the controversy.
Who is Richard Tice and What Did He Say?
Reform UK deputy Richard Tice emerged as the primary voice condemning the cancellation. Speaking to GB News, Tice described the hotel’s action as “appalling.” He elaborated:
“This is an absolute outrage. People have to realise this is not North Korea, political parties are allowed to have Christmas parties.”
His statements framed the incident as a broader threat to democratic freedoms, resonating with party supporters.
Tice’s remarks underscore Reform UK’s position that such cancellations represent censorship. The party has positioned itself against what it views as overreach by activist groups, with this event serving as a flashpoint. No further comments from Tice appear in available coverage beyond this interview, but his words have fuelled online discussions.
Why Did the Hotel Face Backlash in Croydon?
Croydon’s demographic context played a key role, with its approximate 40,000 Muslim residents voicing strong opposition to hosting a Reform UK event. The industrial estate location of the Grand Sapphire Hotel amplified local concerns, leading to organised protests by Stand Up to Racism. This group’s campaign directly pressured the venue, resulting in the contract’s termination.
Suleman Raza’s background as a Pakistani-born entrepreneur added layers to the debate. Arriving in the UK in 2000, Raza built the hotel business, yet faced personal attacks online. The Muslims of South London Facebook group became a hub for criticism, with users questioning his decision to proceed initially. Raza’s silence on the matter leaves unanswered questions about his motivations or response to the uproar.
What is the Grand Sapphire Hotel’s Role?
The Grand Sapphire Hotel, accessible via grandsapphire.co.uk, serves as the central venue in this saga. Owned by Suleman Raza, it agreed to host the £100-a-head Reform UK Christmas celebration before withdrawing. This last-minute reversal has drawn scrutiny to the hotel’s operations on the Croydon industrial estate.
No official statement from the hotel appears in reports, mirroring Raza’s non-response. The booking’s announcement sparked immediate anger, linking local activism to the outcome. Stand Up to Racism’s involvement, detailed on standuptoracism.org.uk, mobilised opposition effectively.
How Has Reform UK Responded to the Incident?
Reform UK has decried the cancellation as “an attack on free speech,” with Richard Tice leading the charge. His GB News appearance provided the party’s strongest rebuttal, emphasising legal rights to private events. The fundraising aspect, at £100 per head, underscores the event’s political and financial significance.
Party officials have not detailed alternative plans publicly, but the rhetoric suggests broader mobilisation against perceived suppression. Tice’s North Korea analogy highlighted the gravity, positioning Reform UK as a victim of intolerance.
What Do Local Activists Say?
Stand Up to Racism spearheaded the protests, though specific statements from group representatives remain unquoted in core coverage. Their actions forced the hotel’s hand, aligning with campaigns against far-right gatherings. The Muslims of South London group’s posts reflect grassroots fury, targeting Raza directly.
Users on the group, accessible at facebook.com/groups/181568622557554, expressed moral outrage. One declared about Raza: “some people have no ethics or morals,” while another noted: “money talks.” These sentiments capture the community’s view without named individuals.
Who is Suleman Raza?
Suleman Raza, detailed on en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suleman_Raza, owns the Grand Sapphire Hotel. Born in Pakistan, he relocated to the UK in 2000, establishing himself as an entrepreneur. His decision to host the event ignited controversy in Croydon.
Raza has offered no comment despite media outreach, including from ELL. This reticence fuels speculation amid the backlash from the local Muslim population.
What Broader Implications Arise?
The episode highlights tensions between political expression and community activism in diverse areas like Croydon. Reform UK’s free speech defence contrasts with Stand Up to Racism’s stance, potentially escalating national debates. With no resolution reported, the story may evolve.
Tice’s warnings signal ongoing party vigilance. Croydon’s 40,000-strong Muslim community exemplifies how local demographics influence such disputes. The hotel’s pivot raises questions on venue neutrality.
