Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Antisemitism: Bristol University

06 January 2022 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South

Community Security

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Christian Wakeford raised concerns about antisemitism: bristol university in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • MP highlighted instances of Jewish students feeling unsafe and discriminated against due to Professor David Miller's teaching and comments at Bristol University.
  • The MP noted Bristol University's lack of proper investigation and disciplinary action regarding complaints against Professor Miller.
  • The Minister acknowledged the issue of antisemitism in higher education and noted government actions like adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism and funding projects to combat harassment and hate crime.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Christian Wakeford Lab Bury South

The MP highlighted the troubling issue of antisemitism targeting Jewish students at university campuses, particularly focusing on the case of Bristol University and its treatment of complaints against Professor David Miller. He detailed instances where Jewish students felt unsafe, intimidated, or discriminated against due to the professor's teaching and comments that included dangerous antisemitic conspiracy theories and false allegations about Jewish organisations. The MP emphasised the lack of proper investigation and disciplinary action taken by Bristol University in response to these issues, highlighting how this has affected student well-being and trust.

Other contributors (2)
  • Andrew Percy Con Brigg and Goole

    Agrees with the lead MP that the issue of antisemitism at Bristol University is alarming.

  • Karl McCartney Independent Group for Change Conservative Lincoln

    Stresses the importance of not allowing speech to include incitement to racial hatred, despite valuing freedom of speech.

Government Response

Robin Walker

The Minister acknowledged the profound issue of antisemitism at Bristol University and across higher education in general. He emphasised that there is no place for antisemitism in society or educational institutions, highlighting actions such as adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism by more than 200 providers, including most universities. The Government has provided £4.7 million to support projects targeting harassment and hate crime, including religion-based incidents. The Minister also discussed the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill’s role in protecting free speech while rejecting any encouragement of antisemitism or holocaust denial. He committed to holding a summit focused on tackling antisemitism in universities and meeting with stakeholders to discuss further actions needed for Jewish students' safety.

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