The UK’s education secretary has launched a government investigation into antisemitism in schools following an incident where a Jewish MP was barred from visiting a school in his constituency.
UK Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson announced the commission in The Telegraph on Sunday, stating that she will leave “no stone unturned” in ensuring all schools and colleges have the “right systems and processes in place to identify and respond to antisemitism.”
The investigation comes on the back of MP Damien Egan – who converted to Judaism – being prevented from visiting Bristol Brunel Academy in his Bristol North East constituency after intervention from pro-Palestinian activists.
The ban came after lobbying from the Bristol National Education Union as well as from Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which said, “politicians who openly support Israel’s genocidal assault on Gaza are not welcome in our schools.”
'Shocking and completely unacceptable'
Egan is vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel and has visited Israel since October 7. He is also married to an Israeli man. These factors have led to repeated anti-Israel campaigning against him.
Phillipson condemned the news at the time, saying, “What happened to my colleague Damien Egan is shocking and completely unacceptable. A Jewish MP’s visit to a school in his own constituency was stopped from going ahead.”
Referencing the incident in her Telegraph article, Philipson said, “Schools must be a place of safety, and no MP should ever be stopped from doing their job.
"This cannot stand. I will not allow it.” She noted that the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) has already opened an investigation into the school.
Phillipson added that the Egan incident made it clear that not enough is being done to help school and college leaders across the country tackle hatred and prejudice.
“I have genuine concerns about whether our schools and colleges are properly equipped to spot and deal with hatred and prejudice when it arises,” she said, adding that the Teaching Regulation Agency processes will be reviewed.
The British government has already pledged £7m. to tackle antisemitism in schools, colleges, and universities, alongside £10m for the Community Security Trust, a review of public order laws, and mandatory antisemitism training across the NHS.