Emeritus professor at Bristol University calls to ‘blow up’ JLM conference

An Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Bristol has called for “someone to blow up the venue” while the Jewish Labour Movement hosts its annual one day conference.

Harriet Bradley, a former Labour councillor, posted the inflammatory response on X/formerly known as Twitter, after JLM announced next month’s event, which features some of the party’s biggest names as speakers including Wes Streeting, Peter Mandleson, Margaret Hodge, Luciana Berger, Ruth Anderson and Louise Ellman.

Both Avon and Somerset Police and the Community Security Trust have been contacted over the threatening social media post, which has now been deleted, but not before it was shared on social media.

Mike Katz, JLM’s national chair, told Jewish News:”At a time of rising antisemitism and increasing hate on our streets, we take these threats very seriously. Using social media to encourage people to endanger Jewish lives is reckless and racist.

“You don’t need to be a professor to understand this.

“We are liaising with the CST and Metropolitan Police to ensure that our Conference will be safe and welcoming. We are proud of our programme and look forward to gathering together.”

Bradley,78, who has had numerous academic works published, wrote her “blow up the venue” post in response to another incendiary message which suggested the JLM event on January 14th, was where “every racist, nonce and shithouse in Britain” would be.

Bradley had later joined the University of the West of England as a professor of women’s employment, prior to her retirement.

She had resigned from her role on Bristol City Council in 2020 on ill-health grounds after previously being investigated by Labour over a “right kind of Jews” social media post.

A profile of Bradley on the University of Bristol directory of experts has now been removed.

The JLM’s annual conference is one the organisation’s most high profile event of the year, and is always full to capacity.

It is scheduled to be stage at venue in London next month.

The event also includes appearances by Rabbi Gilad Karie, president and CEO of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism, and Labour frontbenchers Pat McFadden, Bridget Phillipson, Alex Davies-Jones, along with commentators such as Jonathan Freedland.

Bristol University had previously sacked the academic David Miller from its sociology department after Jewish students repeatedly raised claims of antisemitism.

Jewish News has contacted Bradley and Bristol University for comment.