NHS staff should refrain from wearing political badges while on duty or participating in political marches while in uniform, according to the head of a review into antisemitism within the health service. Lord John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, stated that badges expressing support for Palestine or Israel should not be worn at work, describing this as a persistent issue in the NHS.
Review Findings and Recommendations
Lord Mann was commissioned last year to investigate antisemitism in the NHS, and his recommendations, though not yet published, are set to be presented to Parliament on Thursday. He described it as profoundly depressing to discover how common it is for Jewish staff to feel ostracised and for patients to avoid seeking medical help due to fears of encountering antisemitism.
One particularly horrific incident involved a Jewish employee arriving at work to find his locker smeared with bacon fat. Lord Mann also noted that some women are choosing not to give birth in NHS hospitals, and there is a growing trend among parents and elderly individuals to avoid presenting to the NHS when they should, due to concerns about their experience.
Political and Sports Symbols
Speaking on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme, Lord Mann said: "Don't do it, don't have it." He illustrated his point by saying: "If I am in the dentist's chair and the dentist is about to drill my teeth, I do not expect my dentist to be wearing an 'I love Palestine' badge, or indeed an 'I love Israel' badge, on their uniform."
The peer emphasised that it will be up to the NHS to define what constitutes a political symbol. He also suggested that football team symbols on uniforms are inappropriate, stating: "No, I do not think if someone is wearing an Arsenal badge on their uniform that would be appropriate." While not a political view, it is an unnecessary distraction, especially if a patient supports a rival team.
Political Demonstrations and Uniform Policy
Regarding political marches, Lord Mann said: "Where there is a political march, the NHS imagery, the NHS branding, the NHS logo should not be used as part of that." He acknowledged that being politically active in one's own time is a human right, but "taking the NHS into that and using the NHS into that is, in my view, a problem."
He recommended that NHS policies should differentiate between representing the NHS and personal viewpoints, as the separation has become problematic. When asked about enforcement, he distinguished between religious and political symbols, noting that he is not recommending a ban on religious symbols such as crucifixes or Star of David necklaces.
Government Response and Next Steps
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has accepted the recommendation for a national policy on NHS uniform and stated that guidance will be published in due course. Lord Mann's review follows a separate report in July 2025, co-authored with former Conservative minister Dame Penny Mordaunt, which warned of rising antisemitism across British society, including a specific unaddressed issue within the NHS.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer commissioned this review last October, noting that despite management training, clear cases of antisemitism were not being dealt with. The government said reforms will benefit everyone who experiences hatred or abuse in the health service, not just victims of antisemitism.
DHSC announced a new staff standard setting minimum expectations for preventing, responding to, and learning from incidents of racism. Mandatory anti-racism training, including antisemitism, will be implemented for NHS trust chairs and chief executives within six months. Existing equality, diversity, and human rights training for 1.5 million staff will be updated to include quality-assured content on antisemitism and anti-Muslim hostility.
Health Secretary James Murray said: "Racism and discrimination betray everything the NHS stands for and its ability to provide safe, world-class care. Lord John Mann has made a series of robust and practical recommendations which we are accepting. I know that Jewish people, and everyone experiencing discrimination, need action, not words."
The NHS Alliance and NHS Employers have pledged to support members in implementing the recommendations, with the latter noting that the review reveals beyond any doubt that antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS are rising and must be tackled urgently.
