Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Antisemitism on University Campuses

Monday 22 June 2026 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bob Blackman raised concerns about widespread antisemitism on university campuses and questioned why Jewish students do not have access to the Office for Students' free speech complaint scheme.
  • The Secretary of State acknowledged the issue of antisemitism and the need for universities to address antisemitic behavior firmly.
  • Jack Rankin echoed concerns about antisemitism on university campuses and the low percentage of Jewish students who feel they can safely report incidents.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Education Community Security
Context

Antisemitism is a significant issue affecting Jewish students on university campuses, with only 3% feeling safe to report incidents.

Question

I am concerned that antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred are widespread on university campuses. The Secretary of State rightly points out that it is up to vice-chancellors to ensure Jewish students feel safe, but a recent survey indicates that just 3% of Jewish students believe they can safely report antisemitism. Will the Secretary of State take urgent action to enforce that those committing such acts are expelled from universities and, if applicable, deported?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The hon. Gentleman is correct in his concerns about antisemitism; I acknowledge the commitment of my colleague to addressing this issue. At a recent event, I emphasized the necessity for universities to address antisemitic behavior firmly. Jewish students frequently face harassment and intimidation, which must not be tolerated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about expelling individuals committing antisemitic attacks and deportation of foreign students was not addressed with concrete commitments or actions.

How: Acknowledgment Of The Issue Without Specifics, Emphasis On Existing Efforts

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Education Community Security
Context

The Government's decision to deny students access to the Office for Students free speech complaint scheme while extending it to others raises concerns about equitable treatment of Jewish students facing discrimination.

Question

My hon. Friend highlights the severe issue of antisemitism on campuses. Yet, against this backdrop, is it not perplexing that the Government denies students access to the Office for Students' free speech complaint scheme while making it available to everyone else? The Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, where students are directed instead, offers no real recourse for those facing discrimination due to their beliefs. What message does this send to Jewish students enduring intimidation and harassment? Will meaningful sanctions, including funding consequences, be introduced for universities failing repeatedly in protection?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

I recognise the serious issue my hon. Friend identifies, with a House-wide commitment to addressing antisemitism. However, there is a misunderstanding: students have clear redress mechanisms when things go wrong. Vice-chancellors and others are unequivocally told that antisemitic hate speech has no place on campuses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about introducing sanctions and funding consequences was not addressed with concrete actions or commitments.

How: Acknowledgment Of The Issue Without Specifics, Emphasis On Existing Mechanisms

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Q3 Jack Rankin Con Windsor
Education Community Security
Context

Antisemitism is prevalent on university campuses, with Jewish students often feeling unsafe.

Question

I am concerned that antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred are widespread on university campuses. The Secretary of State rightly points out that it is up to vice-chancellors to ensure Jewish students feel safe, but a recent survey indicates that just 3% of Jewish students believe they can safely report antisemitism. Will the Secretary of State take urgent action to enforce that those committing such acts are expelled from universities and, if applicable, deported?

Answer from Bridget Phillipson

The hon. Gentleman is correct in his concerns about antisemitism; I acknowledge the commitment of my colleague to addressing this issue. At a recent event, I emphasized the necessity for universities to address antisemitic behavior firmly. Jewish students frequently face harassment and intimidation, which must not be tolerated.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about expelling individuals committing antisemitic attacks and deportation of foreign students was not addressed with concrete commitments or actions.

How: Acknowledgment Of The Issue Without Specifics, Emphasis On Existing Efforts

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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