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Antisemitic Offences — [Valerie Vaz in the Chair]
09 January 2024
Lead MP
Nicola Richards
Responding Minister
Lee Rowley
Tags
Community SecurityScience & Technology
Word Count: 13523
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Nicola Richards raised concerns about antisemitic offences — [valerie vaz in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government should clarify how they are addressing rallies that promote antisemitism and support terrorism, highlighting the need for police to communicate effectively about these risks. Additionally, there is a call for action from social media platforms to address the surge in antisemitic content, including measures by Ofcom against high-risk platforms like 8kun and Rumble.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Since the Hamas massacre on October 7, there has been a significant rise in antisemitic incidents worldwide. In the UK alone, over 2,098 antisemitic incidents were recorded from October to December 2023 by the Community Security Trust (CST), surpassing previous records. This includes violent assaults, threats, and desecration of Jewish property. The CST also logged at least another 1,288 potential incidents involving suspicious or hostile activity near Jewish locations.
Pontypridd
Asked if the Minister would give way.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Sobel highlighted concerns about antisemitism on university campuses, citing an incident involving Moazzam Begg at Leeds University. He warned that the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 may have unintended consequences, potentially unleashing more antisemitic incidents.
Andrew Percy
Con
Brigg and Goole
Mr. Percy thanked those working on antisemitism issues and expressed concern about the findings of a survey showing that up to 30% of the public hold antisemitic views. He highlighted the distressing impact of recent marches and focused on what he termed 'institutionalised Israelophobia' in parts of the media, citing examples from university lecturers, football pundits, and media coverage which he believes fuels Jew hate.
Warrington North
Nichols discussed the impact of recent antisemitic attacks and online hate speech. She praised CST for providing support to the Jewish community and called for better accountability from tech companies like X, previously known as Twitter. She also mentioned a personal encounter with an individual who expressed conspiracy theories about her. Asked if the Minister would give way.
Christine Jardine
Lib Dem
Edinburgh West
She congratulated the hon. Lady on securing the debate, shared her concern that work by CST and Tell MAMA to build bridges is being undermined, and expressed fear about people living in fear across the country. The MP highlighted a student's experience at the University of Glasgow where he faced antisemitic comments during a meeting about Gaza, making him feel under threat. She suggested that public awareness is lacking and the media should better highlight the danger of growing antisemitism in Britain.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
He congratulated the hon. Member on the timeliness of the debate and expressed confusion about why far-right and hard-left groups both have an innate hatred for Jewish people. Mr Campbell highlighted the importance of providing correct information to counter misinformation on social media, noting that Israel has hundreds of mosques and freedom of religion for Muslims. He emphasized the contrast with the low number of synagogues in Arab nations.
Ian Mearns
Lab
Gateshead
Acknowledged the significant increase in antisemitic incidents reported since October 7, including arson attacks on synagogues globally. Highlighted the importance of community support and efforts to counteract these trends.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon expressed sadness over the rise of antisemitic attacks across the UK, particularly during the Israel-Palestine conflict. He cited specific incidents and called for accountability through legal action. Mr Shannon also emphasized the importance of religious freedom and highlighted the need for strong punishment against racially motivated crimes.
He thanked the hon. Lady for introducing the debate and questioned whether universities and public authorities should take determined action against hate speech while upholding free speech.
Kirsten Oswald
SNP
East Renfrewshire
Ms Oswald expressed concern about the rise in antisemitism and the impact it has on diverse communities, particularly Jewish communities. She highlighted East Renfrewshire's diversity and its significant Jewish population. She mentioned the importance of respecting different faiths and standing against hate crime, citing the need for zero tolerance towards antisemitism. Ms Oswald also noted the concern over individuals feeling unsafe to express their identity, which is unacceptable.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
She highlighted the rise in antisemitic incidents following the Hamas attacks, noting more than 2,000 recorded by CST from October to December, including 95 assaults. She expressed concern over unreported hate crimes, international repercussions, and the downgrading of monitoring by the Government.
Nickie Aiken
Con
Cities of London and Westminster
Noted a 1,350% increase in antisemitic incidents since October, highlighted abuse on university campuses with a 500% rise reported by the Union of Jewish Students, expressed concern over intimidation and harassment faced by Jewish students and primary school children.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
The MP expressed concern over the recent rise in antisemitic incidents across Britain, including hate speech at protests, vandalism of Jewish schools, harassment, intimidation, and assault. She cited an increase in antisemitism during conflicts involving Israel compared to previous periods, noting unprecedented statistics currently being reported. The Community Security Trust suggests that Jewish venues need extra security measures due to the ongoing threat.
Government Response
Lee Rowley
Government Response
I am genuinely grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich East (Nicola Richards) and other Members for their contributions on this important topic of antisemitic offences. The Minister acknowledges that the debate is necessary due to recent incidents of pure antisemitism, which should not be tolerated in a civilised society. He highlights the Government's efforts to tackle antisemitism, including adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's working definition and providing more than £110 million since 2015 for protective security through the Jewish community protective security grant. The Minister also mentions ongoing initiatives such as Prevent practitioners who provide training on radicalisation and empower teachers to challenge extremism in classrooms. Additionally, he announces an additional £7 million funding over three years to help tackle antisemitism in education. He discusses measures to address online antisemitism under the Online Safety Act and reiterates the Government's commitment to supporting Jewish communities and addressing hate incidents effectively.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.