Milo Yiannopoulos has been stopped from speaking at York

An upcoming talk by the prominent right-wing journalist Milo Yiannopoulos has been cancelled by the University of York.

The announcement came after officials claimed that, due to the polarising nature of Yiannopoulos’ views, the talk was to be classed a “special event”.

This meant they could not meet the stewarding requirements, and so would not be able to fund enough porters for the event to go ahead.

The cancelled event was called “Milo Yiannopoulos – Militant feminism is driving the sexes apart”, and had already caused controversy on campus.

Yiannopoulos described the University’s decision as “pathetic” and “spineless”, saying “attempts to ban me only make my following larger. Stronger. Harder.”

He also predicts that the event will still go ahead at an off-campus location, as has been planned in Bristol and Manchester.

The plans to host an off-campus event have also been suggested on a Facebook page devoted to the event.

The event was initially organised by Thomas Turton, who is no longer involved. Turton said: “We’re hoping that the behaviour on both sides will not distract from the very serious issue of Men’s mental health.

“Regardless of people’s opinions on Milo, a proper discourse on Men’s issues needs to occur, taking into account views on all sides.”

Plans had already been made to demonstrate against the event, although the organisers of the protest were unavailable for comment.