Prefer Jewish News on Google
Oxford college apologises for hosting Ken Loach
Professor Judith Buchanan, head of St Peter’s College, said she was sorry for the “hurt” caused by inviting the filmmaker to speak at a virtual event on Monday.
An Oxford University professor has issued an apology for hosting an event with a filmmaker accused of a “history of blatant antisemitism”.
In a letter to students, Professor Judith Buchanan, head of St Peter’s College, said she was sorry for the “hurt” caused by hosting Ken Loach at a virtual event on Monday.
The college had previously defended its decision to host Loach, arguing they did not engage in ‘no-platforming.’
Loach, who attended the Oxford college, has provoked outrage by downplaying and denying claims of antisemitism in the Labour Party.
He urged Bafta to reconsider nominating the Panorama episode featuring Labour Party whistle-blowers for an award and caused anger in 2017 at a fringe event of the Labour Party conference with comments about Holocaust denial, saying: “I think history is for us all to discuss, wouldn’t you?”
Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, who spearheaded the campaign against Loach’s appearance, said: “Coming from Oxford University, this is an important line in the sand for any campus that considers rolling out the red carpet to individuals such as Mr Loach, who is on record downplaying antisemitism and claiming Holocaust denial is worthy of discussion.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
