Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted a rise in antisemitic incidents, with recent reports indicating an increase in hate crimes against Jewish individuals. She highlighted concerns raised by the Jewish community.
What assessment has he made of the potential implications for his policies of recent trends in levels of antisemitism? I am concerned about the rise of antisemitism and want to know what steps are being taken to address this issue.
We continuously assess trends in antisemitism, working with the police, the Jewish community and our antisemitism working group. Antisemitic incidents are on the rise; this is unacceptable and heartbreaking. We are determined to tackle it through coordinated action across education, health and other key institutions.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific measures or timelines for addressing antisemitism.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP referenced an incident during the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign involving senior Green Party figures engaging with 5Pillars, a platform previously disciplined for anti-Jewish hatred.
I thank the Minister for her response. As she rightly outlines, antisemitism is on the rise. During the ongoing by-election campaign in Gorton and Denton, senior Green party figures engaged with 5Pillars—an outlet that has previously been disciplined for anti-Jewish hatred and that is well known for amplifying extremist voices. Those in public office have a duty to act responsibly, and there are serious questions to ask here about judgment. Does she agree that parties seeking office should not legitimise platforms linked to hatred, and will she outline what further steps the Department is taking to combat extremism, antisemitism and other forms of hatred?
We are seeing the rise of hate and division in our society. Parts of our Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities are feeling scared and unsafe in their own country. All of us have a huge responsibility to play our part to stamp out this hate and division.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not address the specific engagement with 5Pillars or provide concrete steps against legitimizing extremist platforms.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned whether supporting the Palestinian cause was inherently antisemitic, referencing international Jewish opinion on Israeli government actions.
Antisemitism is horrible, but will the Minister agree that there is nothing antisemitic in supporting the rights of the suffering Palestinian people and there is nothing antisemitic in opposing the actions of the present right-wing Israeli Government in making a two-state solution impossible? There is nothing antisemitic in that, because probably the majority of Jewish people throughout the world agree with me—and, actually, the actions of the Israeli Government in forcing Palestinians off their ground is fuelling antisemitism.
It is very important to make a distinction between the unacceptable antisemitism we see rife in our society, which we all have a duty to stamp out, and the plight of the Palestinian community for which many will have sympathy. As Government, we are committed to delivering the two-state solution and working towards peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide clarity on whether support for Palestinian rights is antisemitic or outline specific measures against it.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted the reduction in interfaith activities following heightened tensions from the Gaza conflict, highlighting the importance of community cohesion.
Interfaith activity has faced significant reduction and in some cases almost collapsed following heightened tensions from the Gaza conflict. Does the Minister agree that measures to support and fund interfaith understanding have a crucial role in restoring community cohesion?
My hon. Friend is completely right; interfaith work is key and the Department is committed to supporting it. We will continue working with faith communities because people of faith in our communities are crucial in bridging gaps and bonding our communities at a time of pressure.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide specific measures or funding details for interfaith activities.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the importance of CST in providing security for Jewish communities, referencing the Government's extension of multi-year funding.
I recently had the privilege of spending some time with the Jewish community of Stamford Hill. Those conversations reinforced that we must do more to combat antisemitism. She cited the recent figures showing that antisemitism is at near record levels. When in government, we put in place the first multi-year funding for the Community Security Trust, and I thank the Government for recently extending and increasing that funding. Will the Minister join me in thanking CST volunteers and agree that anti-religious hatred has no place in our society?
The right hon. Member is completely right; religious hatred has no place in our society, yet it is on the rise. We are seeing antisemitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of hate impacting communities. The CST's work supporting the Jewish community is vital, but security needs for places of worship are unacceptable.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not confirm specifics on increased CST funding or provide details on future commitments.
Response accuracy