Labour MP Dawn Butler and authors Grace Blakeley and Shami Chakrabarti are among those who have cancelled their appearances at the Hay festival due to its sponsorship by Baillie Gifford. Butler stated in a video on X that her withdrawal was because Baillie Gifford is “involved directly or indirectly in technology and arms in Israel.”

Additional withdrawals include writers Noreen Masud and AK Blakemore, climate activist Tori Tsui, and comedian Ania Magliano. Blakemore expressed concerns, noting that the publishing industry “shouldn’t be used to garner prestige by companies that profit from fossil fuels or the ongoing assault on Palestine.”

Read: Literary coalition call on Baillie Gifford to cut ties with Israeli defence on Nakba anniversary

Over 700 writers and industry professionals have endorsed a statement by Fossil Free Books, demanding that Baillie Gifford divest “from the fossil fuel industry and from companies that profit from Israeli apartheid, occupation and genocide.” The group also supports those who decide to act against or withdraw from Baillie Gifford-sponsored events, including other festivals and the Baillie Gifford prize for non-fiction. Notably, both Blakemore and Masud will not appear at the Edinburgh book festival.

Baroness Chakrabarti was scheduled to discuss her new book, “Human Rights: the Case for the Defence,” alongside Rosie Boycott on Wednesday, May 29th. “With regret, I have decided to withdraw from an event at the Hay Festival where I would have discussed HUMAN RIGHTS: THE CASE FOR THE DEFENCE with my friend Rosie Boycott,” Chakrabarti stated. “Amongst other things, my book calls for greater personal ethical responsibility and corporate accountability for people and planet.”

Chakrabarti suggested that Baillie Gifford’s investments could be reduced to zero, stating, “Small percentages may more readily be reduced to zero. I am not convinced that regulations prevent more or faster divestment. If I have misunderstood, I would happily work with Baillie Gifford to seek to change the law. They would be well-placed to lead such a public debate.”

Read: Fossil Free Books urges Baillie Gifford to divest from fuels and certain investments

Hay CEO Julie Finch acknowledged the ethical complexities of sponsorship amid financial uncertainty, reiterating that the festival maintains “editorial independence” in all funding agreements.

Fossil Free Books highlights Baillie Gifford’s investments, ranging from £2.5 billion to £5 billion in the fossil fuel sector and nearly £10 billion in firms connected to Israel’s defense and tech sectors, like Nvidia, Amazon, and Alphabet. Baillie Gifford responded, clarifying its role as a minor investor in fossil fuels and in a few companies with “connections to the Israeli state or activities in the occupied territories,” while engaging with these companies. However, they added: “Only 2% of our clients’ money is invested in companies with some business related to fossil fuels. This compares to the market average of 11%”.

Anna Frame of Canongate Books, now on the Edinburgh festival board, argued on X that securing festival funding is challenging but necessary, and commended Baillie Gifford for their efforts to improve. She called for a broader discussion on arts funding, asserting that refusing such sponsorship could lead to shutting down festivals, a stance she personally disagrees with despite acknowledging it as valid.

Previously, writers like Arundhati Roy boycotted the event when it was sponsored by Tata, criticising their dominance in the Indian economy.

The statement is open for signing by all book workers. To sign, please fill out the form available through Fossil Free Books.