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Burberry 'cancel pre-Bafta party' Burberry cancels pre-Bafta party
(20 minutes later)
Burberry is expected to cancel its pre-Bafta party because of a planned protest at the chain's planned closure of its Rhondda factory. Burberry has cancelled its pre-Bafta party ahead of a protest at the planned closure of a clothing factory.
The plant in Treorchy is due to shut in March, with the loss of 300 jobs. The firm's plant in Treorchy, Rhondda, is due to shut in March with 300 job losses, with work moving overseas.
Staff angry at the company's decision to move production overseas are expected to picket the Bafta nominees' party in London on 10 February. Workers planned to picket Bafta's nominees' party, with a guest list of 800 people, in London on 10 February.
Burberry is expected to make a statement later about the reception, which has a guest list of 800 people. Burberry chairman John Peace said the firm was very disappointed "at the attempts to disrupt this premier event" for the British film industry.
It is understand that Burberry's chairman John Peace has asked Bafta to call off the reception, which was due to be held at the Natural History Museum the night before the film and television awards. He added the firm was an active supporter of the British arts and was "wholly committed to Britain" with almost half of the group's global workforce based in the UK".
In January, Burberry announced it would give the factory to the community, effectively guaranteeing the plant's value at £1m by underwriting its assets. The Bafta reception was due to be held at the Natural History Museum the night before the film and television awards.
Dame Judi "not going to the party" say campaigners 'Strong message'
The gesture however has been dismissed by those behind a high-profile campaign to keep the factory open. A high-profile campaign to keep the factory open, led by unions and local politicians, has enlisted the support of a number of celebrities.
Personalities such as singer Sir Tom Jones, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and actors Ioan Gruffudd, Rhys Ifans and Emma Thompson have voiced support for workers, who make polo shirts. They include singer Sir Tom Jones, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, and actors Ioan Gruffudd, Rhys Ifans and Emma Thompson.
The company has said it is closing the site because it is not "commercially viable". Bafta nominee Dame Judi Dench was one of the first to indicate she would not be attending the Burberry-sponsored party at the awards evening, according to Rhondda MP Chris Bryant.
He said: "I told Dame Judi's office we were very grateful that she was lending this support. It sends a strong message to Burberry."
Dame Judi told campainers she would not attend Bafta party"
Burberry has said it was closing the Treorchy site because it is not "commercially viable" but intented to continue production in Yorkshire.
In January, it announced it would give the factory to the community, effectively guaranteeing the plant's value at £1m by underwriting its assets.
The gesture has been dismissed by those behind the campaign to keep the factory open.
In his statement on the cancelling the nominees' party, Mr Peace said: "We are disappointed because we'd hoped to further support the British film industry, and to celebrate on an international stage British creativity in both film and fashion."
Rhondda AM Leighton Andrews said: "Burberry is cracking under the pressure that's being exerted. It's clearly very concerned about the impact on its image and reputation."Rhondda AM Leighton Andrews said: "Burberry is cracking under the pressure that's being exerted. It's clearly very concerned about the impact on its image and reputation."
Mr Andrews also said he had been contacted by an assistant to Bafta nominee Dame Judi Dench, to say she would not be attending the Burberry-sponsored party. Bafta has yet to comment on Burberry's decision.