The Prime Minister has expressed deep concern over the delay of a Jewish MP's visit to a school due to planned protests by pro-Palestine activists. Damien Egan, a member of the Labour Friends of Israel (LFI) parliamentary group, was scheduled to visit Bristol Brunel Academy in September. However, the visit was postponed due to a demonstration planned to coincide with the end of the school day. The school's management, Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), denied reports that the visit was cancelled due to concerns about the MP's involvement with LFI. Instead, they cited student safeguarding issues as the reason for the delay. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, emphasized the importance of all MPs being able to visit their constituencies without fear of antisemitism. He also announced that the government is providing more funding for security and support to schools across the country. The Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign celebrated the delay as a victory for parents, teachers, and the community, while the Bristol branch of the National Education Union welcomed the cancellation, citing safeguarding and solidarity as key factors. The incident sparked debate in Parliament, with Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp accusing the school of antisemitism. CLF defended their decision, stating that they followed police advice to ensure the safety of all students and staff. The controversy highlights the tension between free speech and student safety in educational institutions.
