Bristol School Cancels Jewish MP Visit

Bristol Brunel Academy is under urgent inspection by United Kingdom — Ofsted after allegedly cancelling a visit from its local Jewish MP, Damien Egan, due to intimidation from pro-Palestinian activists. The school, managed by Cabot Learning Federation, stated the visit was postponed due to student safety concerns and disruption from a planned protest, with a rescheduled date already confirmed. United Kingdom — Ofsted chief inspector Martyn Oliver expressed deep concern over the incident, particularly the message it sends to Jewish children, and initiated the inspection. The cancellation has drawn widespread condemnation from political figures including Keir Starmer, Steve Reed, and Bridget Phillipson, who emphasized that MPs should be able to visit their constituencies without fear of antisemitism. The National Education Union members at the school reportedly opposed the visit due to Israel's military operations in Gaza. Additionally, Cabot Learning Federation is investigating claims that its inclusion and diversity co-ordinator, Saima Akhtar Bharwana, shared discriminatory comments on social media.