Richard Tice has condemned intimidation from a group of hard-left protesters who tried to prevent a Reform UK event going ahead last night.
Mr Tice was set to appear at a pub in York, however pressure from a radical pro-Palestine group forced the event to move venues at the last minute.
The party’s deputy leader was in the North Yorkshire town to help launch the university’s new Reform UK society, amid growing support for the insurgent party among young people.
However extremist left-wingers announced a “say no to hate” rally outside the venue in an attempt to shut down the democratic event.
A statement from York Action for Solidarity claimed that over 500 students, staff, alumni and other university societies had signed an open letter condemning the formation of the student wing.
It screeched: “Reform UK exists as a party to further demonise already marginalised communities and sow division across society.”
“We will not let its attempts to divide our community here in York succeed.
“We call on the University of York and the York student union to ensure that marginalised students and staff are able to study and work free from hatred and abuse.”
Advice to those wanting to attend the protest included instructions to cover their faces with masks, arrive with others and to blur their faces in photos and videos, suggesting they expected trouble.
Mr Tice claimed that those involved in the protest attempted to try opening the door of a car they thought he had arrived in, only to be met with a terrified member of bar staff at the host pub.
The Boston and Skegness MP told the Daily Express: “Aggressive Antifa tactics were used by York Uni hard left, to frighten staff and students, to prevent free speech and debate”.
“Shameful, but we stood rock solid and had wonderful inaugural event, thanks to great publican and efforts of police & security team.”
A photo shared on social media by the York branch of the hard-left Socialist Workers Party sarcastically described their presence as a “warm welcome” for Mr Tice, with protesters seen wearing face masks and holding placards.
While there is no report of any violence, a parody ‘University of York Reform Society’ instagram account posted images suggested protesters should turn up with eggs, and images of Nigel Farage being attacked with milkshakes.
The University of York was the third university in the country to see a registered Reform UK society launched, following Durham and Exeter.
North Yorkshire Police were approached for comment.
