Inquiry clears Bristol school of antisemitism for postponing Jewish MP’s visit

Independent review into Bristol Brunel academy finds Damien Egan visit was postponed over safeguarding concerns An independent inquiry into a Bristol secondary school that found itself at the centre of a media storm after postponing a visit by a local Jewish MP has found no evidence of antisemitism or influence from lobby groups. Damien Egan, the Labour MP for Bristol North East and vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, was due to visit Bristol Brunel academy (BBA) last September to talk to students about democracy and his work in parliament. It was reported that the visit was cancelled after a campaign by pro-Palestine activists, including members of the National Education Union. The Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign later hailed the cancellation as a “victory for parents, teachers and the community”. The inquiry concluded that the decision to postpone was made solely on safeguarding grounds after the school learned that a public protest was being planned, amid concerns for the safety of Egan as well as of students and staff. Egan, however, expressed concern that parts of the report were redacted and called for a complete version to be published, adding that he would be