Intensified Efforts by British PAC on Defaced Portrait; Mayor Urges Prompt Resolution
The Great British PAC, a non-partisan organisation led by University Directors Jake Reed and Jake Watts, is stepping up its campaign for justice following the vandalism of a historic portrait at Trinity College, Cambridge. The incident, which occurred on 8 March 2024, has sparked widespread concern and calls for action from political leaders and the public.
The incident involved a member of Palestine Action, a group now proscribed as a terrorist organisation, entering the college and slashing a 1914 portrait by renowned artist Philip Alexius de László, depicting Lord Arthur Balfour, a former Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary.
In response to the lack of police action, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow has publicly backed the PAC, expressing disbelief at the situation. He stated that it's incredible that the police won't take action when it seems the perpetrator has admitted responsibility and the existence of video evidence and CCTV footage. Mayor Bristow's intervention marks a significant moment in the growing cross-party unease about the handling of the case.
The PAC has not backed down and is determined to ensure that silence is not the final word regarding the vandalism incident. They are actively exploring a private prosecution to hold those responsible accountable for the vandalism. They have written letters to all Cambridgeshire MPs and county councillors, urging political leaders to intervene.
In addition, the PAC has written letters to the college itself and to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner, Darryl Preston. They have requested that councillors and MPs press the Police and Crime Commissioner to demand a full review of the investigation, urge the Constabulary to reconsider their decision to close the case, and support efforts toward public accountability and, if necessary, a private prosecution.
Jake Reed, another PAC Director, emphasized that the incident isn't just about one painting but sends a message about the acceptability of violence and vandalism in a university setting. Jake Watts, a Deputy Universities Director of the PAC, has written a letter expressing alarm over the failure to prosecute those responsible for vandalising the portrait. He stated that the police's decision to walk away when a group publicly admits to defacing a piece of British heritage is deeply concerning.
The PAC describes the police's decision to close the investigation as a "deeply alarming failure." They have stated that the police's conclusion that they could not find the perpetrator is indefensible, given the existence of video evidence and CCTV footage. The PAC continues to call for transparency from both Trinity College and the Cambridgeshire police.
The PAC is formally escalating its campaign for justice over the vandalism of the historic portrait at Trinity College, Cambridge. They are inviting elected officials at all levels to support their demand for answers regarding the vandalism incident. The PAC's university leaders have not backed down and are determined to ensure that justice is served.
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