Call for charges over vandalism of Lord Balfour portrait Responsibility for damage to artwork at Cambridge last year was claimed by Palestine Action, but no one has been arrested Story by Craig Simpson
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/18/calls-for-charges-over-lord-balfour-portrait-vandalism/
Campaigners could push for a private prosecution of the pro-Palestinian activist who vandalised a portrait of Lord Balfour at Cambridge University.
The portrait of the former British foreign secretary, who famously supported a homeland for the Jewish people, was spray-painted red and slashed with a knife by a protester last year.
Trinity College said at the time: “[We] regret the damage caused to a portrait of Arthur James Balfour during public opening hours. The police have been informed. Support is available for any member of the college community affected.”
Roderick Balfour, the fifth Earl of Balfour and the great-nephew of Lord Balfour, told The Telegraph last year: “It’s very alarming that we have people who feel entitled to attack the totems of our culture and history.
“There appears to be no respect for the country that has educated them, that has allowed them the lives they have.”
The Telegraph has approached Trinity College for comment.
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