The left-wing news platform the Canary has announced it is ceasing operations indefinitely, citing a combination of financial difficulties and a "vicious campaign" of attacks against the outlet. Established in 2015 amid growing support for then-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, the Canary has described itself as an anti-austerity, anti-Zionist, and pro-freedom of expression publication.

In a statement posted on social media, the Canary expressed regret over the closure after 11 years, attributing the decision largely to sustained "lies, defamation, and harassment" by former staff members, alongside ongoing pressure from external forces that it said sought to see the outlet dismantled. The publication indicated it would soon release further details on the internal issues it faced and push back against what it called a "vicious campaign" targeting its team.

Financial troubles intensified earlier this year when Lloyds Bank reportedly blocked the outlet’s access to a substantial portion of its funds, complicating the Canary's ability to pay staff and contractors. While the media outlet blamed this banking action for its monetary challenges, some current and former journalists have suggested that the banking issues were used to obscure alleged financial mismanagement within the organization. Sources familiar with the matter say that more than £2 million in funding obtained over the summer was reportedly expended on ventures such as a short-lived newspaper and acquiring other websites, rather than stabilizing the main operation.

Steve Topple, the Canary’s chief executive, stated that all permanent employees had been paid up to date, though some outstanding holiday pay remained under review. The announcement did not specify a timeline for reopening but reaffirmed that the outlet was not closing permanently, indicating intentions to continue its work after addressing the current challenges.

The Canary’s closure marks a significant moment for a publication that rose to prominence as part of a broader left-wing media ecosystem aligned with Corbyn-era politics. Its editorial stance has attracted both fervent support and criticism, and the circumstances surrounding its shutdown highlight ongoing debates over financial governance and internal disputes within independent media outlets.