Antisemitism in the NHS ‘out of control’, Jewish leaders warn | UK | News
A rapid review into antisemitism and racism in the NHS will be launched to tackle discrimination in healthcare. Lord Mann has been appointed to lead the review, which will examine how regulators handle incidents of discrimination and how zero tolerance policies can be made more effective.
Stronger mandatory antisemitism and anti-racism training will also be introduced for 1.5 million staff, and NHS England will review the guidance. Announcing the review during a visit to the Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism in the UK and provides protection to Jewish communities, the Prime Minister said it was “clear that the cases are not being dealt with and so we need to get to the root of this”.
He added: “Discrimination that staff and patients face because of their race or religion goes against everything our country stands for.
“The NHS was built on the principle that everyone should be treated equally and with respect and I am determined to bring this back to the heart of the health service.
“That’s why I asked Lord Mann to eliminate this problem and ensure that perpetrators are always held to account.”
The government also wants NHS England to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.
Claudia Mendoza, executive director of the Jewish Leadership Council, said the lack of action against antisemitism “undermines trust”.
He added: “Antisemitism in the NHS is out of control. We have seen doctors describe hospitals as cesspits of ‘Jewish supremacy’ and praise Hamas as ‘legends’, while regulators and courts fail to take concrete action.”
“It is vital that Jewish patients can trust that their healthcare providers will treat them without bias.
“Today’s government announcements, including the introduction of compulsory antisemitism education and the adoption of the IHRA definition of antisemitism promoted in healthcare, are a welcome first step but must be the first of many.”
Sir Keir Starmer also announced up to £10 million will be provided to Jewish communities through emergency cash injections to improve security in synagogues and schools.
The money will go towards more security personnel and equipment such as CCTV, alarms and floodlights in areas where the Jewish community is located.
The immediate cash will come two weeks after the terror attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Community Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, which left two people dead.
The Prime Minister said: “I was in Manchester the day after the terrible terrorist attack and saw first-hand the fear that many Jews face, not just on that terrible day, but every day and in every aspect of their lives.
“The devastating truth is that antisemitism is on the rise in Britain and we must defeat it. Tackling this hatred will not be solved by quick fixes. It will require work across communities, in every part of our country and in every part of our society.”
Figures published by the Home Office last week show anti-Semitic hate crimes are near record levels.
Mark Gardner, CEO of the Community Security Trust, said: “As we face the aftermath of the horrific Islamist terrorist attack in Manchester, this is a vital emergency boost to security measures at a crucial time for the Jewish community.
“This funding will strengthen the security infrastructure that protects our synagogues, schools and community buildings at a time when Jews continue to be proportionately the biggest victims of hate crime in the UK.
“We are grateful for this announcement and will continue to work closely with government and community partners: but for long-term change to occur, the root causes of antisemitism and extremism must be acknowledged and tackled.”
