Cancelled by woke, a UK composer appeals for our help

We reported in March that jazz composer Martin Speake was suspended from his teaching posts after students boycotted his classes at TrinityLaban (TL), Guildhall and the Royal Academy of Music. The triogger was a private email in which Speake questioned obligatory inclusivity agendas.

Martin Speake remains unemployed, banned by mob-rule from teaching and performing.

Here is his latest update:

As soon as TL shared my email with the entire jazz department, my personal nightmare began. Instead of defending my right to hold this belief, TL publicly distanced itself from me, threatened disciplinary action and allowed harmful rumours to spread about me. As a result, students boycotted my classes, not only at TL but also at other institutions. The London Jazz Orchestra, for which I had been lead alto saxophonist for 15 years, asked me to take leave from my post. Other bands refused to play my compositions. All my scheduled performances around the UK were unceremoniously cancelled and most venues refused to book me for future concerts. The release of my latest album was halted. Staff and students alike ostracised me. This led to me needing to take sick leave for an extended period.

I had hoped that, on my return to work in September 2024, the situation at TL (and more widely) would have calmed down. Unfortunately, TL continued to allow me to be the target of discriminatory and harassing behaviour with no regard to my wellbeing, or the law.

More broadly, I continued to be effectively ‘cancelled’ within the jazz scene.

With a very heavy heart I had no choice but to resign from my post with TL in November 2024 as my working environment had become unbearable.

My legal case

I have already filed a claim against TL for the discrimination and harassment I have endured on the basis of my protected philosophical belief (under the Equality Act 2010) as expressed in my email. I allege that TL has failed to secure my right to academic freedom and free speech more generally. I have done this with the generous assistance of the Free Speech Union and the excellent solicitor their support has allowed me to engage, James Murray (Doyle Clayton). The hearing to determine my claim will be between 3-12 August 2026. My preliminary hearing will be on the 9th of September 2025.

I am now also going to file a claim for constructive dismissal against TL. Essentially, TL forced me to resign by virtue of its conduct towards me, which, I believe, constitutes a serious breach of contract. I hope I will be able to join these two claims together and that TL will be held accountable.

Any support you pledge will help me make progress on both claims….

To read more and to support Martin’s cause, please click here.

This could be your kindest Christmas gift.

The post Cancelled by woke, a UK composer appeals for our help appeared first on Slippedisc.