Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has issued a stern condemnation after a Bristol school reportedly cancelled a visit from its local MP, who is Jewish, following intervention by pro-Palestinian activists.
Minister Vows Action Over 'Shocking' Incident
Bridget Phillipson stated that what happened to her colleague, Damien Egan, the MP for Bristol North East, was "shocking and completely unacceptable". She emphasised that no MP should ever be prevented from carrying out their duties because of their faith or background.
The incident centred on Bristol Brunel Academy, which is part of the Cabot Learning Federation. Mr Egan was reportedly stopped from visiting the school in his own constituency after pressure from activist groups.
"Our schools must be places of safety and inclusion – not exclusion," Phillipson declared. She confirmed her department had contacted the schools watchdog, Ofsted, and welcomed its decision to conduct an urgent inspection of the academy on Thursday, 15 January 2026.
Ofsted Chief 'Troubled' by School's Message
Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted's Chief Inspector, said he 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," Sir Martyn stated. He asserted that everyone working in education has a "professional and moral duty to stand against discrimination". After reviewing evidence, inspectors deemed a full inspection was necessary and visited the school immediately.
School Cites Safety Concerns, PM Labels it Antisemitism
A spokesperson for the Cabot Learning Federation offered a different perspective, explaining the decision was made due to worries about student safety and potential disruption from a planned protest. They stressed that the visit was merely postponed, not cancelled, and a new date had been agreed with Mr Egan's office prior to the recent controversy.
The case was raised at the highest level during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the situation as "very serious, very concerning", stating all MPs must be free to visit schools and other places in their constituencies without fear of antisemitism. He pledged to hold accountable those responsible for preventing the visit.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed also weighed in, calling the cancellation "an absolute outrage" during a speech at the Jewish Labour Movement conference on Sunday.
Phillipson concluded by saying she would not rule out taking further action once Ofsted's findings are received, underscoring the government's firm stance on the issue.
