Music Venue "Strange Brew" apologies for cancelling a Jewish band.

I am deeply concerned about the increase in anti-Semitism from an already worryingly high level since the 7th October Hamas attacks.

It is wrong to blame any community in Britain for the actions of foreign powers or terrorist groups thousands of miles away.

And be in no doubt that Anti-Semitism is like the canary in the coal mine - it's the type of racism which very often shows itself first. But other types of racism, be it against black people, Muslims, or other group, soon follow.

In March of this year a music venue in Bristol cancelled a gig by the Jewish band Oi Va Voi because of objections from activist groups.

In a statement, Oi Va Voi said the "intimidation of the activist groups who wanted Strange Brew to cancel our gig would never be tolerated against any other minority", adding that "this episode has had an immense personal and emotional impact on us".

"It has also led to financial loss, reputational damage and a barrage of hate, the like of which we had never experienced before," they said on Wednesday.

The group said the complaints had come from activists "making untrue and misguided claims about us, our music and the album artwork of guest performer Zohara".

"The only reason we received a level of scrutiny that would lead to such false accusations is because of our heritage and the nationality of one of our performers," they said.

The venue has now recognised that the cancellation was a poor decision which "was not in line with our values."

They have apologised, and among other corrective measures adopted a policy that all senior managers at the venue will undertake mandatory training in avoiding Anti-Semitism.

Here is the statement issued by the venue, "Strange Brew."

Postscript: I have added the Jewish Leadership Council response.