Page 720 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

chance of a conviction. Bettison remains an unpopular figure across
Merseyside.

Following the findings of the inquest in 2016, Dale, then with Biteback

Publishing, secured the rights to Bettison's book detailing the calamity. Dale

commented, "While we deeply respect the rawness of emotions surrounding

Hillsborough, we hope Sir Norman's voice can only add to the ongoing
narrative and maybe shed some new light."

The Many Live, starring Iain Dale, Jacqui Smith, and special guest Lisa Nandy

MP, was due to take place on 22nd September at the Liverpool Philharmonic
Hall. Earlier this week, many raised concerns over Dale being welcomed into a

Liverpool venue, given his past working relationship with Bettison. Following

the Philharmonic's decision to pull the show, the Hillsborough Survivors

Support Alliance described the cancellation as a "correct decision."

In a statement on the cancellation, Liverpool Philharmonic said: "Iain Dale’s
event ‘For The Many: Live’ due to take place in the Music Room in September

has been cancelled. 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."

Writing on his website on Saturday, Dale issued a lengthy statement titled

"Liverpool Philharmonic Cancels 'For the Many' Live Event with me, Lisa
Nandy & Jacqui Smith—A Statement." He began by telling readers how he and

Jacqui Smith have hosted more than 20 For The Many Live events across the

country and had been looking forward to welcoming new Culture Secretary

Lisa Nandy on stage with them in Liverpool next month.

"But it is not to be. We've been cancelled," Dale went on to write. Addressing

his past job in publishing and his links to Bettison's memoir, the broadcaster

recalled: "Now, I left Biteback six years ago, in June 2018. I have covered