Tackling Antisemitism: Strategies for Addressing Issues Both Locally and Globally

Thank you, Lord Mann. I would also like to extend my gratitude to you and the Antisemitism Policy Trust for convening us today and for your ongoing efforts to tackle antisemitism.

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Lancaster House.

As we all recognise, antisemitism is not merely an abstract issue; it has tangible repercussions for the daily lives of individuals, families, and communities.

For those who feel hesitant about displaying visible symbols of their identity, for parents worried about what their children might face at school or university, and for Jewish professionals, artists, and sports enthusiasts who should be able to engage fully in all facets of our national life without fear or reservation.

When Jewish individuals feel compelled to conceal their identity or consider their movements and activities carefully, it should provoke concern among us all.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon all of us, across every sector of society, to take action. This Government remains firmly committed to combating antisemitism, whenever and wherever it arises.

Global Context of Antisemitism

Today’s conference appropriately centres on the actions we can take here in the UK. However, from my position at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), it is crucial to recognise that antisemitism knows no national boundaries.

Hatred, conspiracy theories, and intimidation can swiftly cross borders, particularly through online platforms.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to join the Foreign Secretary and representatives of the J7 Global Task Force here in London. One key takeaway from our discussions was the shared nature of this challenge.

While antisemitism manifests differently in various contexts, no nation is addressing it in isolation, nor should we. There is much we can learn from one another, share successful strategies, and collectively enhance our response.

The Role of International Collaboration

This is where the FCDO can significantly contribute. Through our diplomatic network and international collaborations, we can disseminate effective approaches from the UK, glean insights from other nations, and vocally oppose antisemitism wherever it arises.

This encompasses our initiatives within the UN and OSCE, as well as the efforts of our Special Envoys focusing on Freedom of Religion or Belief and Post-Holocaust Issues.

The guiding principle of this work is both simple and fundamental: everyone should be able to live according to their faith or beliefs openly and without fear.

For Jewish individuals, this means living their lives authentically and proudly. It is essential that this conversation flows both ways.

Where UK initiatives, such as the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, are proving effective, we should promote them. Conversely, we must be receptive to learning from others, and when we encounter common challenges that necessitate joint action, we must collaborate.

Ensuring Lasting Change

Ultimately, what counts is not just the quality of discussions held in these meetings, but the subsequent actions taken. Will institutions adapt where necessary? Will accountability be embraced rather than evaded? And, most importantly, will Jewish individuals witness a genuine and enduring improvement in their everyday lives?

The duty to confront antisemitism rests with all of us. The Government must lead, institutions must take action, and throughout this process, we must listen to Jewish communities and collaborate with them.

I hope that today’s discussions will be both forthright and constructive. We need to be candid about what is working, equally transparent about what is not, and clear about the steps that need to be taken next.

The FCDO is honoured to welcome you to Lancaster House, and we are committed to incorporating the insights gained today into our international engagements.

I will now hand over to my colleague, Minister Eshalomi.