Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ordered a review of antisemitism within the NHS, stating that 'clear cases' are not being dealt with adequately. The review will be led by Lord John Mann, the government's independent adviser on antisemitism, as part of a broader crackdown on antisemitism in the UK.
Speaking during a visit to the Community Security Trust (CST), which monitors antisemitism and protects Jewish communities, Starmer also announced £10 million in funding for security at Jewish amenities, including synagogues and schools. He said: 'We have heard loud and clear in the last few days and weeks that words are not enough, action is what matters.'
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed the 'urgent review' follows recent incidents of antisemitism by doctors, highlighting problems of culture and regulation in the health system. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'I have been appalled by recent incidents of antisemitism by NHS doctors, and I will not tolerate it.'
Starmer criticised universities for being 'too slow' in dealing with antisemitism, citing the University of Oxford, which suspended a student after he allegedly chanted for Gaza to 'put the Zios in the ground' during a protest. The prime minister added: 'Look at Oxford this week. That was a slow reaction to the clearest of cases.'
The government is also asking NHS England to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and review uniform guidance to balance religious expression with patient care. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who accompanied Starmer, said she was reviewing protest legislation and providing additional police protection outside synagogues.
Mark Gardner, CST chief executive, described the meeting as 'very straightforward and very productive', while Claudia Mendoza of the Jewish Leadership Council said: 'Antisemitism in the NHS has been out of control.' The government also pledged to support Muslim communities facing rising Islamophobic hate crime.
