Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Antisemitism

Monday 4 December 2023 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The government reports 1,500 antisemitic incidents since 7 October, a record high for this period.
  • Some media questioning of historical facts appropriately risks fuelling antisemitism.
  • The Secretary of State supports the Holocaust Educational Trust's work for educating about the Holocaust.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Percy Con
Community Security
Context

The question follows an increase in antisemitic incidents since October.

Question

What recent assessment has the government made of antisemitism trends? Since 7 October, there have been 1,500 reported antisemitic incidents, a record high for this period. The Community Security Trust reports these figures.

Answer from Michael Gove

Tragically, we have seen a significant increase in antisemitism since 7 October with 1,500 incidents reported between 7 October and 22 November.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask for an official government statement was not addressed.

How: Changed Subject To General Condemnation

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Andrew Percy Con
Community Security
Context

Some deny the severity of atrocities following the Palestinian terror attack on 7 October.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that denying such atrocities risks fuelling further antisemitism in the UK?

Answer from Michael Gove

My hon. Friend is right; the events were horrific and unique. Some voices, including media ones, have questioned these facts appropriately. This risks fuelling antisemitism.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 John Cryer Lab
Education Religion & Faith
Context

There is a concern that the holocaust is slipping from memory, leading to increased antisemitism.

Question

Could the Secretary of State engage with his opposite number in education and promote Holocaust Education Trust's work?

Answer from Michael Gove

The hon. Gentleman makes a good point, and I thank the Holocaust Educational Trust for its exemplary work. It is vital to ensure every generation understands the unique evil of the holocaust.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q4 Julian Lewis Con New Forest East
Community Security
Context

A combined rally was held by bereaved family members from both Muslim and Jewish communities to protest Islamophobia and antisemitism.

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that such rallies are inspiring and a lesson for those preaching hatred?

Answer from Michael Gove

My right hon. Friend is correct; it was great to see people from various communities expressing solidarity at a vigil last week.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q5 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

300 Jewish children who survived the death camps were rehabilitated in Troutbeck Bridge, Windermere. The legacy of these survivors should be celebrated.

Question

Will the Secretary of State meet to discuss building a lasting memorial for the Windermere Boys?

Answer from Michael Gove

I am grateful and would be delighted to work with him to ensure that episode in our history is properly celebrated, as it has always been a feature of the United Kingdom to stand against antisemitism.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q6 Michael Ellis Con
Community Security Religion & Faith
Context

The London Borough of Havering reversed its decision to cancel Hanukkah festivities. The question is about avoiding such decisions.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that local authorities should avoid rash actions and ensure freedom of religion?

Answer from Michael Gove

My right hon. and learned Friend is correct; it was based on a misconception that the idea of celebrating any faith would be provocative, which is wholly wrong.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email