British leaders slam Irving

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David Irving’s attempt at a comeback has been met with disgust and disbelief in Britain.

The convicted Holocaust denier’s recent announcement that he will rejoin the lecture circuit has provoked loud reactions from Jewish, anti-fascist and educational groups in Britain. His first address, in Coventry on Sept. 28, was interrupted by protesters.

Lord Foulkes of the Labor Friends of Israel said, “It is a frightening thought that he is still pursuing his agenda. “

Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said, “In 2000, a British High Court Judge branded David Irving a ‘falsifier of history’ and a ‘racist.’ I can not imagine there is any real interest in Irving’s ‘speaker tour’ and I can not understand why anyone would sympathize with his spurious views ”.

Jon Benjamin, chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said Irving no longer had any legitimate claim as a serious historian. Gerry Gable of the anti-fascist organization Searchlight added, “This man is a hardened right-wing extremist and this latest development proves he is determined to pursue his agenda.”

Irving, who reportedly is living near Windsor in a 10-bedroom house, announced he would launch a series of speaking tours in British cities and universities as well as offer new books to potential readers.

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