Aberdeen University cancels invitation for Jackie Walker

The University of Aberdeen has withdrawn an invitation to anti-Israel activist Jackie Walker, who had been due to speak to a student society.

Walker was vice-chair of left-wing grassroots group Momentum, but caused offence last year by suggesting Jews were “chief financiers” of the slave trade, and for claiming Holocaust Memorial Day was not inclusive of other genocides.

In a written clarification, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Diamond said: “The University of Aberdeen had received, and was considering, a request from one of our Student Societies to host a talk which would be delivered by Jackie Walker.”

He added: “I should like to reassure you that the request has now been withdrawn and there are no plans to host Jackie Walker at the University of Aberdeen.”