STAND OFF

MP slams top comedy venue owned by SNP colleague for banning her over trans views

- CHRIS MCCALL

SNP MP Joanna Cherry yesterday leading slammed a comedy club founded by a party colleague after it cancelled her show in a row over trans rights.

Joanna Cherry was due to be interviewed as a guest at an Edinburgh Festival Fringe event at The Stand founded and co-owned by her fellow SNP MP Tommy Sheppard.

Cherry accused The Stand of "unlawful discrimination" following the cancellation.

She said: "It should not be possible for venues or their staff to no-platform lesbians or feminists who believe that sex is an immutable biological fact just because of our sexuality or our beliefs. That sort of discrimination is unlawful and I'm sure most people would agree it's not acceptable." Cherry also suggested staff at The Stand felt under pressure because of protesters.