Protests Force Cancellation of Suella Braverman’s Speech at Cambridge University

Suella Braverman, a former Home Secretary, was compelled to postpone a planned speech at Cambridge University after pro-Palestinian protesters threatened to disrupt the event. The Conservative politician was scheduled to speak about her career and political life to the Cambridge University Conservative Association (CUCA) on Thursday. However, the protest led to the event’s cancellation, as concerns for safety arose.

The protest was orchestrated by Cambridge for Palestine, a group that openly opposed Braverman’s policies, describing them as “hyper-authoritarian populist policies on migration, policing, and protest.” On social media, the group urged supporters to “no platform” Braverman, encouraging attendance with flags and “anti-fascist energy.”

In response to the threats, CUCA and Braverman, upon receiving security advice, jointly decided to postpone the event. Braverman alleged that the protestors sought to silence her using “mob-rule tactics,” asserting that such actions were an attack on free speech and British values. “I refuse to be intimidated by the pro-Palestinian mob,” she declared, emphasizing her intent to reschedule the lecture.

The event, originally set to take place in Corpus Christi College, could not proceed due to security concerns and the prohibitive cost of £1,500 for private security arrangements. Attempts to relocate the event to the Cambridge Union were thwarted as an event with Members of Parliament was already scheduled there.

CUCA’s chair, Szymon Sawicki, expressed disappointment over the postponement, highlighting the association’s commitment to pluralistic debate. “It’s a shame that a speaker who has contributed so much to UK politics could not discuss her record,” he commented.

The incident has rekindled discussions on free speech in universities, coinciding with the government’s controversial decision to pause the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. This legislation had proposed legal obligations on universities to uphold academic freedom, a move deemed “chilling” by Conservative backbenchers.

Education Secretary Damian Hinds criticized the government for halting the Act without parliamentary debate, stressing that the decision might adversely affect free speech in academic settings. “We need to question this Government about the direct, indirect, and chilling effects,” Hinds stated in the Commons.

Amidst these developments, concerns about the safety of Jewish students and academics have been raised, with MPs like Bob Blackman advocating for stronger protections against antisemitism in academic environments. Catherine McKinnell, opposing the Act, argued it was disproportionate, emphasizing ongoing efforts to ensure safe and free discourse in educational institutions.