Ofsted inspects school ‘intimidated into cancelling Jewish MP visit’
Damien Egan was prevented from visiting Bristol Brunel Academy in his Bristol North East constituency after intervention from pro-Palestinian activists
A Bristol school has been inspected by the schools watchdog after claims it “may have been intimidated into cancelling a visit” from their local MP who is Jewish.
Damien Egan was reportedly prevented from visiting Bristol Brunel Academy in his Bristol North East constituency after intervention from 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 cancelling a visit from their local MP.
“I am troubled by the message this sends to children – especially children from the Jewish community. Those of us privileged enough to be working in education have a professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination.”
After considering the evidence, inspectors concluded an inspection was warranted and were at the school on Thursday, Sir Martyn said.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer said the case was “very serious, very concerning” and added that all MPs “should be able to visit anywhere in their constituency, schools or other places, without fear of antisemitism”.
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