PARENTS staged a protest as Environment Minister Michael Gove addressed a school speech day.

The controversial MP was guest of honour at Brighton College’s event at Brighton Dome on Saturday.

His appearance prompted uproar from some.

More than a hundred people signed a petition started last month calling for a replacement speaker.

Brighton and Hove For EU, a non-party political group that campaigns for the UK to remain in the EU, stood outside the Dome handing out European Union flags and T-shirts.

Petra Kopp, a member of the group, said: “We felt we had to have a presence.

“We have given out almost everything we brought with us.

“Some parents and students want to wave EU flags when Michael Gove comes out or simply walk out of the room.”

Bryonie Harries, who is not part of the group but described herself as a “concerned friend”, said: “There has been a lot of shock and outrage among parents and pupils.

“One group of lads who I’d say were about 15 years old came up to us and collected flags to wave.

“What Gove did when he was Education Minister took us back 30 years.

“What’s to love about him?

“He is out of touch with the people on Brexit as well as the mood is turning. 

“It was so political to invite him here.”

A father, who did not wish to be named, picked up an EU flag from the table before going in to the event.

He said: “I along with most of the other parents am ardently anti-Brexit, for the reasons outlined by Brighton College’s headmaster Richard Cairns in his speech two years ago after the referendum.

“He said the segment of the population who voted for Brexit was not the younger ages and he was horrified.

“It was a controversial, bold move to invite Gove today. But Richard likes to be controversial.”

Speech day is a celebration of achievements and highlights of the academic year.

Michael Gove was selected as the guest of honour for this year’s event.

When he was Secretary of State for Education from 2010 to 2014, he made controversial reforms to the education system. He was a key figure in the Vote Leave campaign ahead of the Brexit referendum.

Brighton College was contacted for comment.