Abstract: The role of HM Government’s Independent Adviser on Antisemitism was established to provide independent advice to the Prime Minister and Government on issues relating to antisemitism in the UK and the most effective methods to combat it. As the first holder of the Office, I was appointed to the role of the Independent Adviser in 2019 for five years. Since then, I have maintained a constructive dialogue with the devolved nations as well as the UK Government.
This 2024 review collates recommendations from my major reports on antisemitism in the last two years, the first of which was a detailed action plan on tackling anti-Jewish hatred across the UK while the second addressed the alarming growth in antisemitism on our university campuses. The review also gives an overview of other important project areas that I have covered in my work plan.
While significant progress has been made, important recommendations still require adoption and implementation by the relevant department or devolved administration. I am therefore urging Ministers in the new UK Government, the devolved governments and senior officials to use this review as a blueprint or checklist for further action and the review is formatted in sections according to who holds the lead responsibility.
The need for action has been made even more urgent by the conflict in Israel and Gaza since 7th October 2023. The Community Security Trust (CST) recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2023, the highest total ever reported to CST in a single calendar year. Of the 4,103 instances of anti-Jewish hate reported, 2,699 (66%) occurred on or after 7th October. This figure alone exceeds any previous annual antisemitic incident total recorded by CST, which has been recording incidents since 1984.
Abstract: • In order to understand and address antisemitism, one must effectively define it. The universally agreed
international definition of antisemitism was developed and adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance
Alliance (IHRA)1
• On 12 December 2016, The United Kingdom Government was one of the first to adopt this definition, followed by other political parties and in 2020 it was adopted by 641 Members of Parliament in the UK House of Commons
• The declaration has already been signed by many local authorities and Universities, and it has been used by the UK police and Crown Prosecution Service to define what is and what is not antisemitism.
• Over recent months, there has been a rapid increase in adoption of the IHRA declaration, with over 35 Countries now having signed up. Italy, Sweden, Greece and Uruguay are the most recent signatories.
• In January 2020, as part of Lord Mann’s work plan, he wrote to several Premier League Football Clubs asking
them to adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism.
• Lord Mann recommends adoption of this definition, as he believes it can be of practical assistance when dealing with antisemitic incidents.
• Clubs should adopt this definition of antisemitism as a statement of their club’s values. in order to set clear
guidelines, give clarity and to act as a reference point for employees, stewards and fans on what constitutes as
antisemitism.
