Jewish MP’s visit to school cancelled after opposition from pro-Palestine group | Bristol

A planned visit by Labour MP Damien Egan to a school in his Bristol constituency was cancelled following a campaign by a pro-Palestine group, raising concerns about political expression in schools.

Visit Cancellation

Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had been scheduled to speak to students at Bristol Brunel academy, but the visit was called off by the school hours before it was due to take place in September. The cancellation came to light after communities secretary Steve Reed discussed a similar incident involving a Jewish colleague.

Speaking at a Jewish Labour Movement conference in north London on Sunday, Reed stated, “I have a colleague who is Jewish, who has been banned from visiting a school and refused permission to visit a school in his own constituency, in case his presence inflames the teachers. That is an absolute outrage.” He added that the government would hold those responsible “to account.” Sources close to Egan have confirmed Reed was referring to the Bristol MP’s planned visit.

Protest Campaign

The Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign announced the cancellation on Facebook, stating it was a result of concerns raised by the NEU staff group, parents, and local constituents. The group asserted, “This is a clear message: politicians who openly support Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools.” Egan is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel and has visited Israel since the onset of the current conflict in Gaza.

The Bristol NEU celebrated the cancellation as “a win for safeguarding, solidarity, and for the power of the NEU trade union staff group, parents, and campaigners standing together” on its Facebook page.

Reed also mentioned at the conference that the UK government had been slow to respond to some instances of anti-Israel extremism, and that Labour had “reassessed” its approach.

Egan, who has an Israeli husband, Yossi Felberbaum, has been targeted by anti-Israel activists since winning his seat. The Bristol Cable reported in November on the cancellation, noting plans for a protest, including attendees wearing keffiyehs.

Bristol Brunel academy stated the visit was postponed after learning of plans for a public protest. A spokesperson explained the decision was made to ensure the safety of students and prevent disruption to learning. They confirmed an alternative date for the visit had been arranged and that they had been in contact with the police.

Egan is a former student of Cabot Learning Federation, the multi-academy trust of which Bristol Brunel is a part.