MP’s school visit cancelled over pro-Palestine protests

A Jewish MP’s visit to a school in his constituency has been canceled after concerns were raised by local pro-Palestinian campaigners.

Palestine Solidarity Organization Bristol said Labor opposed the visit of Bristol North East MP Damien Egan because of his support for Israel.

The cancellation took place in September but was highlighted by Communities Minister Steve Reed during a speech to the Jewish Labor Movement at the weekend.

Reed did not name Egan but told viewers: “I have a Jewish colleague who has been banned from attending a school and is not allowed to visit a school in his constituency in case his presence angers teachers.

“This is an absolute disgrace… and they will be called out and held accountable for what they have done, because you cannot allow people with such attitudes to teach our children.

“You can’t have it.”

Egan confirmed the event had been canceled but declined to comment further.

In a statement to the Times, the school said Egan postponed the meeting due to a planned protest near the school building and was concerned it would coincide with the end of the school day.

The school rescheduled the MP’s visit and contacted police for advice.

The BBC has reached out to the school for comment.

On September 5, when the event was due to begin, the Bristol Palestine Solidarity group published a social media post celebrating the cancellation.

It was stated that the event was canceled after “concerns were raised by National Education Union union staff, parents and local voters.”

It was stated that the cancellation sent a “clear message” that politicians who support Israel’s actions in Gaza “are not welcome in our schools”.

The National Education Union was contacted to get an opinion on the issue.