Overview
- Cabot Learning Federation launched an investigation after reports that its inclusion lead, Saima Akhtar, praised the October 7 attackers as “heroes,” and it commissioned an external review of staff training on discrimination.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the cancellation and told Parliament that MPs must be able to visit schools without fear, echoing Communities Secretary Steve Reed’s pledge to hold those responsible to account.
- Bristol Brunel Academy said it delayed Egan’s visit after police were informed of a planned public protest and confirmed that an alternative date had already been arranged.
- Local posts from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and NEU activists celebrated the postponement as a ‘win,’ citing Egan’s role as vice‑chair of Labour Friends of Israel and declaring such politicians “not welcome in our schools.”
- The NEU national office said it was not aware of the school’s decision at the time and reiterated its opposition to racism, as separate reports detailed NEU pressure that led the trust to drop a speaker from Israeli firm Check Point.