Jewish MP's School Visit Cancelled Amid Pro-Palestine Protests
Published 12 January 2026
Highlights
- A visit by Jewish MP Damien Egan to a Bristol school was cancelled due to pro-Palestine protests.
- The cancellation was highlighted by Communities Secretary Steve Reed, who criticized the decision as an "outrage."
- The school postponed the visit citing safety concerns over a planned protest coinciding with the school day.
- Palestine Solidarity Bristol celebrated the cancellation, citing opposition to Egan's support for Israel.
- The National Education Union and local constituents were involved in the protest planning.
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Rewritten Article
Jewish MP's School Visit Cancelled Amid Pro-Palestine Protests
A planned visit by Jewish Labour MP Damien Egan to a school in his Bristol constituency was cancelled in September following opposition from pro-Palestine campaigners. The incident has gained renewed attention after Communities Secretary Steve Reed condemned the cancellation during a speech to the Jewish Labour Movement, describing it as an "absolute outrage."
Protest Concerns Lead to Postponement
The visit to Bristol Brunel Academy was called off just hours before it was scheduled to occur. The school cited concerns over a planned protest by Palestine Solidarity Bristol, which was expected to coincide with the end of the school day. The school has since sought police advice and is working to reschedule the visit.
Community and Union Involvement
The cancellation was celebrated by the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which stated that the decision sent a "clear message" against politicians supporting Israel's actions in Gaza. The National Education Union (NEU) staff group, along with parents and local constituents, were reportedly involved in organizing the protest. On social media, the NEU described the cancellation as a victory for "safeguarding and solidarity."
Political Reactions and Implications
Steve Reed, speaking at a Jewish Labour Movement conference, criticized the decision, emphasizing that such attitudes should not be present in educational settings. Reed also noted that the UK government has been slow to address anti-Israel extremism, a stance that Labour is reassessing.
Egan's Position and Background
Damien Egan, who is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, has been a target of anti-Israel activists since his election. Egan, who has an Israeli husband, has not publicly commented on the cancellation but remains hopeful that the visit will eventually proceed.
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Scenario Analysis
The cancellation of Damien Egan's school visit highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestine activists and supporters of Israel within the UK. If the visit is rescheduled, it could serve as a litmus test for how schools balance political sensitivities with educational opportunities. The incident may also prompt further discussions within the Labour Party and the government about addressing anti-Israel extremism and ensuring the safety and inclusivity of educational environments. As the situation develops, it will be crucial for all parties involved to navigate these complex issues with sensitivity and a commitment to dialogue.
A planned visit by Jewish Labour MP Damien Egan to a school in his Bristol constituency was cancelled in September following opposition from pro-Palestine campaigners. The incident has gained renewed attention after Communities Secretary Steve Reed condemned the cancellation during a speech to the Jewish Labour Movement, describing it as an "absolute outrage."
Protest Concerns Lead to Postponement
The visit to Bristol Brunel Academy was called off just hours before it was scheduled to occur. The school cited concerns over a planned protest by Palestine Solidarity Bristol, which was expected to coincide with the end of the school day. The school has since sought police advice and is working to reschedule the visit.
Community and Union Involvement
The cancellation was celebrated by the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which stated that the decision sent a "clear message" against politicians supporting Israel's actions in Gaza. The National Education Union (NEU) staff group, along with parents and local constituents, were reportedly involved in organizing the protest. On social media, the NEU described the cancellation as a victory for "safeguarding and solidarity."
Political Reactions and Implications
Steve Reed, speaking at a Jewish Labour Movement conference, criticized the decision, emphasizing that such attitudes should not be present in educational settings. Reed also noted that the UK government has been slow to address anti-Israel extremism, a stance that Labour is reassessing.
Egan's Position and Background
Damien Egan, who is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, has been a target of anti-Israel activists since his election. Egan, who has an Israeli husband, has not publicly commented on the cancellation but remains hopeful that the visit will eventually proceed.
What this might mean
The cancellation of Damien Egan's school visit highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-Palestine activists and supporters of Israel within the UK. If the visit is rescheduled, it could serve as a litmus test for how schools balance political sensitivities with educational opportunities. The incident may also prompt further discussions within the Labour Party and the government about addressing anti-Israel extremism and ensuring the safety and inclusivity of educational environments. As the situation develops, it will be crucial for all parties involved to navigate these complex issues with sensitivity and a commitment to dialogue.
