Our campaign for justice over the vandalism of a historic portrait at Trinity College, Cambridge, is gathering pace. The Great British PAC's university leaders have now taken the matter directly to Darryl Preston, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC), in a formal letter pressing for answers.
The step builds on an earlier letter we sent to Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College, which challenged the police decision to abandon the investigation into the destruction of the 1914 portrait of Lord Balfour by Philip Alexius de László — a painting defaced in an act publicly claimed by the radical protest group Palestine Action.
Even with CCTV footage and a video of the incident to hand, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said it was unable to identify a suspect and went on to close the case. We have called that outcome deeply troubling.
Our latest letter, addressed to Commissioner Preston and signed by Jake Watts (GB PAC Deputy Universities Director) and Jake Reed (GB PAC Universities Director), leaves no doubt that we will not let the matter rest.
“We have recently written to the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge — Dame Sally Davies. However, we would also appreciate your perspective regarding this matter,” the letter begins.
Watts, who is himself a student at the University of Cambridge, writes:
“I am committed to ensuring that acts of politically motivated criminal damage do not go unchallenged; many students and members of the public nationwide share this concern.”
The letter sets out the central facts: Palestine Action publicly claimed responsibility; the incident was caught on video; and the group is now tied to a proscribed terrorist organisation. Our argument is that the failure to prosecute risks emboldening copycat acts while casting doubt on how thorough and credible the investigation really was.
“That those responsible — acting on behalf of a now proscribed terrorist organisation — remain unprosecuted raises serious questions about the robustness of the investigation and the message it sends to others contemplating similar acts,” the letter continues.
We have asked Commissioner Preston to clarify:
- Whether his office was consulted during or after the investigation.
- Whether he believes all reasonable steps were taken to pursue prosecution, given the available footage and public admission.
- Whether the case's closure was subject to any formal review.
- Whether his office will consider reviewing the handling of the investigation.
We also confirmed that, should the police continue to do nothing, we are weighing up a private prosecution against the individual responsible.
“We would appreciate any insight or support your office can offer to help ensure justice is served and future acts of this nature are deterred,” the letter states. “Likewise, if the police are unable to justify their position regarding this matter, we do intend to raise our concerns to the press.”
We understand that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow is also following the case and is pressing for further clarity on the decision to close the investigation.
From Trinity College to the Commissioner
This escalation arrives only days after Watts and Reed went public with their original letter to Trinity College, which criticised the university for failing to apply public pressure over the dropped case.
At the time, Jake Watts said:
“When a group publicly admits to defacing a piece of British heritage and the police walk away, something has gone badly wrong. Our national institutions deserve protection, not political hesitation.”
Jake Reed added:
“This isn't just about one painting. It's about the message we send to radicals who think violence and vandalism are acceptable in a university setting. We won't let silence be the final word.”
The portrait at the heart of the case depicts Lord Balfour, the former Prime Minister and author of the Balfour Declaration, and carries real cultural and historical weight. Its destruction drew widespread condemnation from students, academics and public figures alike.
The Great British PAC — a cross-party advocacy group working to restore academic freedom and institutional integrity — says it is set on seeing justice done, and on making sure this incident is not quietly allowed to fade away.
“We're standing up for justice, for our national heritage, and for the truth — and we won't be silenced or intimidated,” Watts said in a recent public statement.
