Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Antisemitism

Monday 10 July 2023 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Home Office and the Community Security Trust have reported concerning levels of antisemitism in the past year.
  • Lord Mann's reports on antisemitism are under consideration, and the government will respond to them in due course.
  • There is a recognized overlap between antisemitism and conspiracy theories, and the government is committed to combating antisemitism while balancing free speech rights.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Community Security
Context

The question arises from recent assessments of antisemitism levels in the last 12 months, highlighting a concerning trend.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential implications for policies due to levels of antisemitism in the last 12 months?

Answer from Michael Gove

We have paid close attention to the concerning figures produced by the Home Office and the Community Security Trust, which have shown the continued prevalence of antisemitism in our society. We are considering Lord Mann's recent reports on the subject, which we will respond to in due course, and we have increased the annual Jewish community protective security grant to £15 million in 2023-24.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific implications of antisemitism levels for policies were not directly addressed.

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Q2 Alex Sobel Labour (Co-op) Leeds Central and Headingley
Community Security Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question stems from research indicating a link between conspiracy theories and antisemitism, particularly online. The MP is concerned about the Online Safety Bill's effectiveness in addressing these issues.

Question

Did you see King's College London research linking conspiracy beliefs to antisemitism? What are you doing to tackle conspiracism, misinformation and fake news online, why are measures so weak in the Online Safety Bill, and why was a legal but harmful provision removed?

Answer from Michael Gove

There is significant overlap between antisemitism and conspiracy theories. However, with the Online Safety Bill it is important to balance free speech rights with vigilance against hate, and this Government are absolutely committed to combating antisemitism wherever it rears its head.

Not addressed: The specifics of tackling conspiracism, misinformation, fake news, and the weaknesses in the Online Safety Bill were not addressed.

How: Balanced Free Speech Rights With Vigilance Against Hate

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