German Politician Calls for Ban on Greta Thunberg Over Pro-Palestinian Protest Involvement

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Suella Braverman, the former Home Secretary, was compelled to postpone her scheduled speech at the University of Cambridge due to security concerns amid protests led by a pro-Palestinian group. Braverman, who was set to speak on Thursday to the Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA), an organization she once led as a student 20 years ago, faced opposition from the group Cambridge for Palestine. 

I was due to speak at Cambridge University today.

Sadly the event was cancelled because of militant pro-Palestinian protestors & the security risks they posed to the attendees & me.

Intimidation & thuggery have no place on campus or in our democracy.https://t.co/4V6dMmYgMM

— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) October 10, 2024

 

The group called on its supporters to disrupt Braverman’s appearance, describing her political views as “hyper-authoritarian” and accusing her of promoting policies on migration, policing, and protest that they deemed far-right. In a social media post, Cambridge for Palestine urged its followers to attend the event with flags and “anti-fascist energy” in an effort to “embarrass her with numbers.” 

 

CUCA, after receiving security advice, determined that they could not guarantee the safety of Braverman or their attendees. As a result, both CUCA and Braverman agreed to postpone the event. Braverman condemned the actions of the protesters, accusing them of using “mob-rule tactics” to silence her and prevent free speech. “This is not a peaceful protest; it’s an attempt to silence a democratically-elected Member of Parliament and an attack on free speech and British values,” Braverman said.

 

She further emphasized her resolve, stating: “I refuse to be intimidated by the pro-Palestinian mob. I was resolute in my intention to speak to the Cambridge University Conservative Association, and whilst the event has been delayed for now, it will proceed at a future date. Conservatives will not back down. I will not be silenced and neither will the millions of British people and defenders of free speech who stand proud, firm and unyielding against radical mob rule.”

 

The event, which was set to take place at Corpus Christi College, was deemed too costly for CUCA to ensure adequate security, estimated at £1,500. Although an alternative venue at the Cambridge Union was considered, the timing clashed with another event involving MPs, and it is believed the police advised against adding CUCA’s event to the schedule. 

 

CUCA’s chairman, Szymon Sawicki, expressed disappointment over the postponement but pledged that the event would take place at a later date. He emphasized CUCA’s commitment to pluralism and open debate, stating, “It is a huge shame that a speaker who has contributed so much to the UK political environment is unable to talk about her record.”

 

The protests against Braverman come amid heightened tensions over the university’s stance on issues related to Palestine. King’s College Cambridge was the site of a 100-day protest encampment earlier this year, driven by concerns over the university’s investments in the defence and arms industry. The university has since stated that it is committed to reviewing its approach to responsible investment. Additionally, the University of Cambridge has announced new rules aimed at protecting free speech on campus, set to come into effect in August 2024, reaffirming its commitment to promoting freedom of speech for staff and students.

 

Braverman’s postponed speech also follows the shelving of a new law by the Labour Government, which had been aimed at tackling cancel culture on university campuses. The law would have required universities, colleges, and student unions to promote academic freedom and protect visiting speakers, offering more robust protections against disruptions like those faced by Braverman. However, Labour has argued that the legislation is not fit for purpose, citing concerns that it could expose Jewish students to anti-Semitic abuse.

 

Based on a report from The Daily Telegraph 2024-10-12