A British school has cancelled a visit by a Jewish Member of Parliament after pressure from pro-Palestine activists, sparking a furious row over antisemitism and free speech. Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East, was told his presence might "inflame" teachers.

The incident has drawn condemnation from senior government officials, with Communities Secretary Steve Reed calling it an "absolute outrage." The cancellation highlights the growing polarization in UK institutions over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where local grievances are increasingly dictating public engagement.

"An Absolute Outrage"

Egan, who is a vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, was scheduled to speak to students at Bristol Brunel Academy. However, the Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign mobilized parents and staff, labeling Egan a supporter of "genocidal assault." The school capitulated, citing safety concerns.

• The Target: Damien Egan, Jewish MP and Labour Friends of Israel member.
• The pressure: The National Education Union (NEU) staff group and local activists campaigned to stop the visit.
• The Reaction: The government has vowed to hold the school accountable, stating that "you cannot have people with those kinds of attitudes teaching our children."

Classrooms as Battlegrounds

The incident raises uncomfortable questions about the neutrality of education. When a democratically elected representative is barred from a school because of his identity and political views, the classroom ceases to be a place of learning and becomes a political battleground.