Councils and universities that fail to back anti-semitism definition to be 'named and shamed,' says Government
Councils and universities that fail to sign up to the international definition of anti semitism will be named and shamed, says Jenrick, as they face losing funds if they continue to refuse.
Speaking in the aftermath of "intimidatory and racist" abuse of Jews at the weekend, the communities secretary told MPs he would shortly be publishing a list of the quarter of councils and universities that have refused to back the definition.
He told MPs he was determined to root out anti-semitism and would take “robust action” as the first Government to sign up to the International Holocaust Rememberance Alliance working definition of anti semitism.
“We are calling on others to do the same. Nearly three quarters of local councils have adopted it. I have written to councils and universities who are still dragging their feet. They will be shortly named and and shamed if they fail to act.”
The IHRA definition is only 40 words long. It says: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”
Some have not signed up to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition because of fears that it limits free speech on Israel.
Among those under fire are the London university UCL where its governing body will reconsider its definition of antisemitism after an internal academic board rejected the use of the IHRA’s’s definition, which the university had adopted.
According to a tally kept by the Union of Jewish Students, 85 out of 133 universities have signed up to the definition — there were 48 in January.
Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary, has written to vice-chancellors saying that if they did not take action on implementing the definition by the end of the year, the department would act.
The Communities Minister spoke out following a number of shocking incidents, including a rabbi being beaten up in Chigwell and foul abuse being hurled in a Jewish community in north London. Four men have been arrested after anti-Semitic abuse was heard being shouted from a car covered with Palestinian flags passing down Finchley Road on videos shared on social media.
