Concerns over conspiracy theorist’s visit to Plymouth

Concerns have been raised about conspiracy theorist and former footballer David Icke performing in Plymouth later this year as part of his ‘Secret Tour’. David Icke was banned from Twitter, YouTube and Facebook in 2020 for spreading misleading claims about the pandemic.

And last year he was barred from entering the Netherlands for posing a risk to public order. The ban extends to the EU’s visa-free Schengen area, meaning he is also banned from 25 other countries, it was reported at the time.

Once a must-watch football pundit, David Icke has promoted several unsubstantiated conspiracy theories on social media. In the past he has claimed he is the son of God – and that the world is run by reptiles.

Now concerns have been raised about his plans to appear in Plymouth as part of ‘The Secret Tour’. On his website, it shows he is set to come to Plymouth on Friday, September 8. The location of the show has not been publicly released, but is thought to be ‘somewhere in the PL6 area’. His website says venue locations ‘will be announced 90 minutes before doors open’.

His website said: “Despite the controversy surrounding his views, Icke has a large following of supporters who believe in his message of awakening and spiritual evolution. Writing over 25 books in the process, Icke continues to share his perspective on topics, from the New World Order and the global elite, to the nature of reality and life after our human experience. An evening with David Icke offers guests an opportunity to put forward your questions for one of the most controversial individuals in the world today. Whether you agree or disagree with his views, this event is unmissable for anyone with an interest in politics, society, reality, and alternative thinking.”

Some Plymouth residents have shared their concerns about the 71-year-old’s visit to the city. One anonymous reader said: “I feel strongly that he shouldn’t be welcomed in Plymouth. He has done a lot of damage to vulnerable people who listen to him and his conspiracy theories. Also, these theories often filter into mainstream beliefs, thus discouraging parents from having children vaccinated, perpetuating racism and antisemitism for example.

“Over the years, Icke has spread dangerous misinformation regarding Covid-19, vaccinations, climate change, 5g and more.”

Born in Leicester, a city in the East Midlands. in 1952, Icke started his goalkeeping career at Coventry City who signed him up in 1967 for the youth team. He also played for Oxford United’s reserve team and Northampton Town but contracted arthritis which forced him out of the sport. He subsequently became a BBC sports reporter but was sacked in 1990 for refusing to the pay the poll tax.