UK medical association Gaza speech ban triggers backlash, protests
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Dr. Ang Swee Chai delivered her Gaza-focused speech outside BMA House after the British Medical Association cancelled her scheduled appearance,
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Dr. Ang Swee Chai, co-founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), delivered her planned speech outside BMA House in London (Social media)
Dr. Ang Swee Chai, co-founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), delivered her planned speech outside BMA House in London after the British Medical Association (BMA) cancelled her invitation to speak at its annual Medical Students’ Conference.
The BMA offered no initial explanation for the decision, prompting demonstrations in the capital. Protesters denounced the move as an attempt to suppress medical professionals speaking out about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The BMA later alleged that Dr. Ang's invitation was rescinded after they became aware that she had "previously shared material, that she did not author, which was anti-semitic." “When the invitation to speak was made we were not aware of these reports," a spokesperson further claimed. The BMA expressed regret over the situation, saying, “We are sorry that Dr Ang is disappointed about not being able to speak at the Medical Students Conference, but disappointed by her decision to hold a protest about it.”
Dr. Ang slams BMA for letting 'pernicious politics' silence advocacy
Dr. Ang, a veteran NHS orthopedic surgeon and survivor of the 1982 Sabra-Shatila massacre, stood outside the BMA headquarters to deliver her prepared remarks. She criticized the organization’s lack of transparency, calling its response to her inquiries “paltry". According to Dr. Ang, the BMA only responded two days before the conference, stating that “the new agenda had already been finalised” and it would no longer be feasible for her to appear.
“I was invited to speak to medical students — after all, they are the doctors of the future,” she said. “And yet, the institution that claims to represent them is shutting down free speech and ignoring their wishes on who they wish to hear from.”
The British Medical Association cancelled a planned speech by Dr Ang Swee Chai, one of the Palestinian cause's biggest medical champions.
— TRT World (@trtworld) April 4, 2025
She became renowned worldwide for her medical work during the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacres. She gave her speech instead to supporters… pic.twitter.com/y00LtudSMp
Emphasizing her humanitarian mission, Dr. Ang added: “My message is one of peace and humanity, not divisiveness. I am committed to my British patients in the NHS and my Palestinian patients through Map for the same reasons: a duty of care towards their wellbeing.”
Dr Ang Swee Chai, her medical Colleagues, and activists for a Free Palestine, outside BMA House today, in defiance of the @TheBMA disgraceful decision to cancel her speech. Beautiful, strong speeches of humanity and solidarity with the Palestinian people. pic.twitter.com/MhiviqCHwp
— Ana Cee (@AnaCee33) April 4, 2025
She questioned the BMA’s stance, asking, “What sort of example is an organisation setting when it lets pernicious politics interfere with a message of caring for one’s patients?”
The BMA said it is open to disclosing the full reasons for the cancellation “if invited to do so by Dr Ang.”
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