Archbishop of Canterbury calls on universities to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism

The Most Reverend Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, has called on the Government to pressure universities to adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism.

The Government responded that as universities are independent, the Government could not apply pressure but could issue guidance, and that the Government “strongly encourages” institutions of higher education to adopt the International Definition.

It is understood that so far only five such institutions have done so.

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has also previously expressed concern regarding “the disgraceful experiences that Jewish students have lived through at certain universities,” and has called for local councils and universities to follow the UK Government in adopting the International Definition, indicating that he intended to take action in this direction.

He has since written to local councils urging them to adopt the International Definition.