Union Leader Pledges to Avoid Controversial Phrase
The head of the UK's largest teaching union has publicly vowed he will not repeat his past call to 'globalise the intifada'. Daniel Kebede, the General Secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), stated he 'certainly will not use phrases like that' while he holds his position.
This commitment came during questioning about the controversial cancellation of a visit by a Jewish MP to a Bristol school. The cancellation followed a campaign by pro-Palestinian teachers and parents.
Controversial School Visit Cancellation
Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, had been scheduled to speak to students at Bristol Brunel Academy in his constituency in September. The visit was called off due to cited 'safeguarding' concerns after activists highlighted his links to the Labour Friends of Israel group.
The local NEU branch celebrated the decision, calling it a 'victory for education workers, parents and the community'. They stated it sent a 'clear message' that 'politicians who openly support Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools'.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the incident as 'very concerning', emphasising that all MPs 'should be able to visit anywhere... without fear of anti-Semitism'.
Linking Comments to Local Action
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Mr Kebede insisted the NEU's national position was not that Mr Egan should be barred from the school. However, he faced questions on whether the local branch's actions were inspired by his own past remarks.
In 2021, Mr Kebede addressed a pro-Palestine rally in Newcastle, telling the crowd: 'It's about time we globalise the intifada.' The term 'intifada' is an Arabic word for 'uprising', and calls to 'globalise' it are viewed by many in the Jewish community as incitements to violence.
When pressed on his past use of the phrase, Mr Kebede clarified his current stance. 'On the school and the MP, it's right that that MP attends that school,' he said. 'And, actually, union groups cannot stop visits. That's just beyond their power.'
Explaining Past Context and Current Role
Mr Kebede explained his 2021 speech was made during the evictions in Sheikh Jarrah in East Jerusalem and a general strike in Palestine termed the 'unity intifada'. He described it as part of framing support for Palestinians as an anti-racist struggle.
'I certainly recognise now, as general secretary of this union, I cannot and I certainly will not use phrases like that,' he affirmed.
The September incident gained renewed attention after Cabinet minister Steve Reed referenced a Jewish MP being banned from a school. Mr Egan, who converted to Judaism and is an honorary vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, has since had his visit reinstated.
Mr Kebede attributed the original postponement to high emotions during a severe period of conflict in Gaza, which he described as an 'internationally recognised' genocide. He stressed that parents and the school itself raised concerns, leading to the initial decision.
Asked directly if someone like Mr Egan is welcome in schools, the NEU leader replied: 'Absolutely.' He added that MPs should visit schools to understand the crises in education funding and teacher workload.
