The Great British PAC’s campaign for justice over the vandalism of a historic portrait at Trinity College, Cambridge, continues to gain momentum, as its university leaders have now formally written to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) Darryl Preston.
The move follows an earlier letter sent to Dame Sally Davies, Master of Trinity College, in which the group raised concerns about the police’s decision to drop the investigation into the destruction of the 1914 portrait of Lord Balfour by Philip Alexius de László, an act publicly claimed by radical protest group Palestine Action.
Despite the availability of CCTV footage and a video of the incident, Cambridgeshire Constabulary stated it could not identify a suspect and subsequently closed the case, a decision the Great British PAC has described as deeply troubling.
In the latest letter to Commissioner Preston, signed by Jake Watts (GB PAC Deputy Universities Director) and Jake Reed (GB PAC Universities Director), the organisation makes clear it is not letting 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, 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 highlights key facts: that Palestine Action publicly claimed responsibility; that the incident was captured on video; and that the group is now linked to a proscribed terrorist organisation. The PAC argues that the failure to prosecute not only risks emboldening similar actions in future but also raises serious questions about the integrity and thoroughness of the investigation.
“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.
The university leaders have now 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.
The PAC also revealed it is exploring the possibility of launching a private prosecution against the individual responsible, should the police continue to take no action.
“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.”
It is understood that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow is also taking an interest in the case and is seeking further clarity on the police’s decision to close the investigation.
This new development comes just days after Watts and Reed published their original letter to Trinity College, criticising the university’s lack of 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 desecrated painting, a portrait of Lord Balfour, former Prime Minister and author of the Balfour Declaration, holds significant cultural and historical value. Its destruction sparked widespread criticism from students, academics, and public figures.
The Great British PAC, a cross-party advocacy group focused on restoring academic freedom and institutional integrity, says it is determined to ensure justice is served, and that this incident is not quietly forgotten.
“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.
