A PROGRAMME of radical films planned for the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival in July has been cancelled because festival organisers would not allow the showing of a film about the persecution of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The film, Oh Jeremy Corbyn — The Big Lie, has been shown at more than 100 cinemas and other venues in Britain.

It was one of a programme of radical films due to be shown at the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival on the weekend of July 14, 15 and 16.

The film’s producer, Norman Thomas, said South West region TUC, which organises the festival, claimed to have received threats of “severe disruption” if the film is screened and has decided it should not be shown.

As a result of the decision, organisers of the film screenings have called off the whole programme on principle.

Mr Thomas dismissed the threat of disruption as “utter nonsense” and said it was “just an excuse for blatant censorship” by South West TUC.

He said: “The film simply provides a view of the Labour Party that the festival organisers don’t want shown. 

“The film tells a story that the present Labour Party hierarchy wants suppressed at all costs.

“I believe TUC South West is guilty of an utterly unfair and unjust act which is a stain on the labour movement.”

The film is narrated by Alexei Sayle and has contributions from film-maker Ken Loach who has been expelled from the Labour Party.

A spokesperson for the TUC nationally said: “As a condition of our funding of the film festival, the South-West TUC required the removal of a film from the proposed programme. 

“We believe showing this film would not uphold the TUC’s values nor contribute to the safety of staff, stewards and attendees.”