A Labour MP's planned visit to a school in his own constituency was called off after a campaign by a pro-Palestine group, with the school citing concerns his presence could 'inflame' teachers. The incident, involving Bristol North East MP Damien Egan, has been condemned by a senior government minister as 'an absolute outrage'.
Visit Cancelled Hours Before Scheduled Event
The cancellation occurred in September, though details have only recently come to light. Damien Egan, who is Jewish and married to an Israeli husband, was due to speak to students at Bristol Brunel Academy. However, the school abruptly called off the engagement just hours before it was scheduled to take place.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed revealed the incident at a Jewish Labour Movement conference in north London. He stated, "I have a colleague who is Jewish, who has been banned from visiting a school and refused permission to visit a school in his own constituency, in case his presence inflames the teachers. That is an absolute outrage." Reed vowed that those responsible would be 'held to account'.
Campaign Group Celebrates 'Win for Safeguarding'
Following the cancellation, the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign posted on Facebook, claiming the move came after concerns were raised by the National Education Union (NEU) staff group, parents, and local constituents. Their statement read, "This is a clear message: politicians who openly support Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools."
The group highlighted Egan's role as vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel and a visit he made to Israel after the conflict in Gaza began as evidence of his support. The local NEU branch also celebrated, calling the cancellation "a win for safeguarding, solidarity, and for the power of the NEU trade union staff group, parents, and campaigners standing together."
MP Targeted Since Election Victory
This incident is not isolated for Damien Egan. Since winning the Bristol North East seat in the 2024 election, he has been repeatedly targeted by anti-Israel activists. The MP is married to Israeli software developer Yossi Felberbaum, a fact often highlighted by his critics.
According to reports from the Bristol Cable, there was a 'flurry of organising' ahead of the planned school visit, including a suggestion that people wear keffiyehs on the day. Steve Reed used his conference speech to criticise what he sees as a slow government response to anti-Israel extremism, promising Labour had 'reassessed' this approach.
Neither Damien Egan nor Bristol Brunel Academy have publicly commented on the incident. It is understood there remains hope the school visit may be rescheduled for a future date.
