The National Education Union (NEU), the UK's largest teaching union, has secretly enlisted a top King's Counsel to investigate serious allegations of 'institutional antisemitism' within its ranks.
High-Profile Inquiry into a 'Hostile Environment'
The union has commissioned Karon Monaghan KC of Matrix Chambers to lead a probe into claims that it has created a 'hostile environment' for its Jewish members. The inquiry, which has been underway for over a year, was initiated by the union's General Secretary, Daniel Kebede, to examine how the NEU handles debates on contentious issues and manages member complaints.
The investigation remained confidential until now. The Daily Mail has confirmed that at least one Jewish member, who filed a formal complaint about antisemitism, has already been interviewed as part of the process.
Pattern of Incidents and Member Resignations
The revelation comes amid a series of controversies. This week, a row erupted after a school in Bristol cancelled a visit by Jewish Labour MP Damien Egan following pressure from the local NEU branch, which later claimed victory for the cancellation on social media.
Within the union, Jewish members have labelled several recent incidents as antisemitic. Last year, the NEU passed a motion accusing Israel of 'genocide' and 'apartheid' and pledged to create classroom materials on Gaza. The union has a history of supporting the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), and Palestinian flags are commonplace at its events.
In 2024, a poignant incident saw 76-year-old retired teacher and Jewish member Peter Block heckled and cut off when he tried to speak against the union's stance at its annual conference. Mr Block has since resigned from the NEU in protest.
Another key case involves a 50-year-old secondary school teacher from Barnet, North London, who resigned after 19 years of membership. In a September resignation letter accusing the union of 'institutional antisemitism', he stated he would not remain part of an organisation whose leadership created an environment 'hostile to Jewish members'. The letter alleged the NEU breached the Equality Act 2010 through harassment and spent members' fees on one-sided political campaigning.
Leadership Context and Awaiting Findings
Mr Kebede, who became General Secretary after calling to 'globalise the intifada' at a 2021 PSC rally, stated the inquiry was a proactive move to address complex debates. The NEU spokesman emphasised the report 'was not triggered by a member complaint' and is not solely about antisemitism, but a broader review of processes.
Karon Monaghan KC, who has previously investigated sexual harassment in the GMB union and the Labour Party, is expected to file her report to the NEU executive imminently. However, scepticism remains. Peter Block, reflecting on his own experience, said: 'I resigned... because I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall... This investigation won't change anything.'
The union's headquarters stated it had no prior knowledge of the Bristol school visit cancellation. Matrix Chambers declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
