Ofsted inspection after ‘school intimidated into cancelling Jewish MP visit’
A school in Bristol is being inspected by the education watchdog after claims it “intimidated” the local Jewish MP into canceling his visit.
Bristol North East Labor MP Damien Egan has reportedly been prevented from attending Bristol Brunel Academy following intervention by pro-Palestinian activists.
Ofsted chief inspector Sir Martyn Oliver said in a statement: “I was concerned to learn that a school may have been intimidated into canceling the visit of its local MP.
“I am disturbed by the message this sends to children, especially children from the Jewish community. Those of us who are privileged enough to work in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination.”
Sir Martyn said that after considering the evidence, inspectors concluded an investigation was necessary and were at the school on Thursday.
A spokesman for the Cabot Learning Federation, which runs the school, said: “We take our responsibilities to educate young people about British values extremely seriously, which is why we invited Mr Egan to speak to our students in the first instance.
“Although we made the decision to postpone the visit due to concerns for student safety and the disruption to their education due to the planned protest, the date for the rescheduled visit had already been confirmed by Mr. Egan’s office. This was well before the latest concerns were raised.”
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said the case was “very serious and worrying” and added that all MPs “should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, school or elsewhere, without fear of antisemitism”.
The Prime Minister added on Wednesday: “We are taking this seriously. We are providing more funding for security and support across the country and will hold to account those who blocked this visit to this school.”
Communities Minister Steve Reed spoke about the cancellation while attending the Jewish Labor Movement conference on Sunday, describing it as “an absolute disgrace”.
Sir Martyn said he was grateful to the school for its openness in interacting with students. Ofsted inspectors.
