“The comments Councillor Eddy made are offensive to us, and we ask him to apologise”
The Conservative councillor at the centre of a row over comments comparing a Bristol secondary school with Hamas and claiming they ‘act like terrorists’ has doubled down on his position and refused to apologise. Instead, Cllr Richard Eddy said he was ‘completely justified’ in saying the leadership of Cotham School had ‘behaved like terrorists’ in a long-running dispute over a playing field.
Cotham School’s leadership said the school was ‘deeply concerned’ at the ‘offensive’ comments. Labour and Green groups at City Hall had called on the long-standing Tory councillor for Bishopsworth to withdraw and apologise for the outspoken remarks, which he made during a council meeting yesterday afternoon (Monday, July 28) in a discussion over the future of the Stoke Lodge playing fields.
During the meeting, after local residents had called on the council to take steps to stop Cotham School from erecting a fence around its playing fields at Stoke Lodge, Cllr Eddy said: “I’ve got no confidence in the commitments or integrity of Cotham School or its governors. Frankly, I prefer to trust the Hamas regime in Gaza, though arguably, they behave like terrorists do.”
Rejecting calls to apologise and withdraw the remarks, Cllr Eddy doubled down, telling Bristol Live he had no intention of apologising, and said he believed he was justified in making the comparison. “I am disappointed – but not surprised – by the ‘knee-jerk’ reactions from Bristol’s Labour and Green councillors,” he said.
“Earlier this month, the Public Rights of Way & Greens Committee voted unanimously to request that the Economy & Skills Committee invoke Article 4- quashing Cotham School’s right to use ‘permitted development rights’ to erect Berlin Wall-style fencing in its long-running war to deny Bristolians the liberty to use the land surrounding Stoke Lodge,” he added.
“Frankly, the actions of Cotham School and its board of governors is reprehensible and it is to the every-lasting disgrace of the former Labour Mayoral Administration (in which Cllr Tom Renhard served) that it abjectly failed to stand-up for Bristolians on what is council-owned land,” he said.
Cllr Richard Eddy says he would ‘prefer to trust the Hamas regime in Gaza’ to the leadership of Cotham School, adding ‘though arguably they behave like terrorists do”. Cllr Jenny Bartle, sitting next to him is visibly shocked(Image: Bristol City Council)
“At the Economy & Skills Committee on Monday, I was shocked that I was the only councillor to raise our Article 4 concerns and to demand that effective action be taken against Cotham School if it sought to take advantage of the time before our next scheduled meeting, when the Article 4 measure will be debated.
“I make no apology for the fact I take pride in not being like most modern ‘plasticine politicians.’ I say what I think, and do what I say,” he said, adding that ‘based on the appalling track record and duplicity of Cotham School’s governors in this unedifying scandal’ he was ‘absolutely correct’ to make the remarks.
Cllr Eddy also said he was ‘completely justified’ in saying in the council chamber that the school had ‘behaved like terrorists’.
Cotham School’s leadership has been left shocked by the intervention, even after a long 13 years of a bruising and bitter dispute over the Stoke Lodge playing fields. In a statement, chair of governors Sandra Fryer and headteacher Jo Butler pointed out the school has pupils from many different backgrounds.
READ MORE: Outrage as Bristol Tory councillor compares secondary school to HamasREAD MORE: Victory for Bristol school in Stoke Lodge playing fields saga
“Cotham School is deeply concerned at the comments Councillor Eddy made yesterday at Bristol City Council ’s Economy and Skills Policy Committee,” they said. “Cotham School comprises some 1,700 young people from many different heritages. We have a dedicated leadership and staff team of some 200 people, also from diverse backgrounds.
“We also have a strong group of governors. We have worked on the challenges of this long campaign to take over our fields with integrity and commitment. The comments Councillor Eddy made are offensive to us, and we ask him to apologise.
“We are proud to serve one of Bristol’s most diverse and vibrant school communities. As a School of Sanctuary, Cotham School welcomes students from many backgrounds, including refugee families who have sought safety in our city after experiencing unimaginable hardships.
Cotham School
“Our refugee students, including children from Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan, and other conflict zones, bring remarkable resilience, determination, and cultural richness to our school. These young people have often overcome extraordinary challenges to continue their education, and we are honoured to support them in rebuilding their lives and pursuing their dreams.
“Every day, we witness the strength of our diverse community. Students from different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds learn together, support one another, and create lasting friendships that bridge divides. This is not just education – it is hope in action.
“The safety and well-being of all our students remains our absolute priority. Recent discussions about our playing field security measures reflect our commitment to creating a safe learning environment where every child can thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. We are working with the City Council and hope to announce our plans to get back to using our fields early in the autumn.
READ MORE: Radio 1 DJ Maya Jama recalls her school days in visit to Cotham SchoolREAD MORE: Stoke Lodge saga set to continue as residents consider options
“We are grateful to the many Bristol residents, community groups, and local leaders who understand and support our mission. Their backing enables us to continue providing excellent education and pastoral care to all our students, including those who need it most.
“Our refugee students are not defined by the conflicts they fled – they are defined by their courage, their potential, and their contributions to our school community. We are privileged to be part of their journey toward a brighter future. Bristol is stronger when we stand together in support of all our children,” they added.
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