The Edinburgh International Book Festival has ended its 20-year funding partnership with sponsors Baillie Gifford following pressure from climate campaigners.
Leading writers including Ali Smith, Zadie Smith and Gary Younge also threatened to boycott next year’s event if no action was taken. “Undermining the long-term future of charitable organisations such as book festivals is not the right way to bring about change. “Funding for the arts is now in a perilous position and we should all be clear that without the support of our partners and donors, the future of festivals like ours – and all of the benefits these events bring to authors and readers alike – is in jeopardy.“Book festivals around the world are forums in which rigorous, intelligent debate can take place. Our festival should be a place where progressive and nuanced discussion can happen in a safe and respectful space.