UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – More than 100 UK councils resist adopting the IHRA anti-Semitism definition, raising concerns as the government pushes for consistent action nationwide.
As reported by The Telegraph, analysis reveals over 100 councils have refused to adopt the international anti-Semitism definition, ignoring repeated government appeals.
What did the data show about the adoption of the anti-semitism definition?
About one-third of local councils have yet to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of anti-Semitism or its examples. It includes blaming Jewish people for Israel’s actions and comparing its policies to the Nazi government.
A Telegraph FOI request shows nine local councils adopted the IHRA definition without its examples, while 107 councils failed to adopt either.
The figures show that 34 Labour, 27 Lib Dem, and 13 Conservative councils still have not adopted the IHRA definition. After repeated government calls, including in May 2025, over 30% of councils have still rejected the IHRA definition.
Critics argue the IHRA definition could limit criticism of the Israeli government, citing an example that labels questioning Israel’s existence as anti-Semitic. They warned that the failure to adopt the IHRA definition is ‘absolutely unacceptable’ amid a rise in anti-Semitism.
What did councils say about adopting the IHRA anti-semitism definition?
Swansea council said it is “still reviewing its position,” while Broxbourne district council argued
“not found it necessary to make any policy statements on racism that are additional to the council’s Equality and Inclusion Strategy 2023-2027.”
Maldon council indicated it might adopt the IHRA definition if the government advised it, despite past administrations already urging councils to take action.
Several councils have omitted the IHRA examples in their motions, making their position unclear.
Jewish Leadership Council chief Keith Black addressed the Manchester synagogue attack by Jihad al-Shamie, saying,
“Two Jews were killed because they were attending a place of worship in the UK.”
He stated,
“If local authorities can’t even adopt the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism in full, it calls into question their ability to understand and take action against it.”
Mr Black added,
“We must see a concerted effort to combat the deadly virus of anti-Semitism from both national and local government. That starts with being able to identify it.”
What did Robert Jenrick say on councils and anti-Semitism?
Robert Jenrick, shadow justice secretary, said,
“At a time when anti-Semitism is on the rise across the country, it’s absolutely unacceptable that so many local authorities have failed to adopt the IHRA definition against the Government’s advice.”
He added,
“If we, as a country, are going to get serious about tackling anti-Semitism, it’s crucial that every institution is operating on the same basis.”
What did the government say about tackling anti-Semitism in councils?
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated,
“The government will continue to work with councils to tackle the poison of anti-Semitism and work unrelentingly to stamp it out wherever it is found.”
They added,
“The vast majority of councils already adopt this definition and we strongly encourage the remaining councils to do so. We expect councils to do everything they can to tackle antisemitism, which has no place in our society. The government is providing £18 million per year to the Community Security Trust to provide protective security measures at synagogues, schools, and Jewish community sites.”
What did Labour say about tackling anti-Semitism in councils?
A Labour spokesman stated,
“The vast majority of Labour councils have adopted the IHRA definition, and we strongly encourage the remaining councils to do so. We expect councils to do everything they can to tackle anti-Semitism, which has no place in our society.”
They added,
“With Keir Starmer’s leadership, we’ve rooted out anti-Semitism in the Labour Party and the Government is stepping up its efforts to tackle anti-Semitism right across our society.”
How did the Birmingham council block Israeli football fans and why?
Birmingham council blocks Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from Europa League match on Nov 6.
After police guidance, the Birmingham council barred Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending the Europa League match at Villa Park.
Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision, saying anti-Semitism “will not be tolerated on our streets.”
The Labour Party faced months of disputes over adopting all 11 IHRA examples. The party formally adopted the full IHRA definition in September 2018.
What did Keir Starmer say about tackling racism in the NHS?
Britain’s government has launched mandatory anti-Semitism and anti-racism training, while NHS England will review rules to ensure respect for patients and staff.
Keir Starmer said,
“The discrimination staff and patients have faced because of their race or religion goes against everything our country stands for. The NHS was built on the principle that everyone should be treated equally and with respect, and I am determined to restore this to the heart of the health service.”
He added,
“That’s why I have asked Lord Mann to root out this problem and ensure perpetrators are always held to account.”
What did Wes Streeting say about tackling racism in the NHS?
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated,
“The NHS should be there for all of us when we need it – regardless of income, race or religion. Discrimination undermines everything our health service stands for and undermines its ability to provide quality care.”
He said,
“I have been appalled by recent incidents of antisemitism by NHS doctors, and I will not tolerate it. There can be no place in our NHS for doctors or staff continuing to practise after even persistently using antisemitic or hateful language.”
Mr Streeting added,
“Patients put their lives in the hands of healthcare professionals. They treat us at our most vulnerable. They therefore have a special responsibility to provide total comfort and confidence.”
What is the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism?
IHRA defines antisemitism as “a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews” through rhetorical and physical manifestations.
It provides 11 illustrative examples, some of which link antisemitism to the denial of Israel’s right to exist and criticism of Israel that employs double standards.
