CAA condemns Mendip District Council for refusing to adopt International Definition of Antisemitism

Mendip District Council in Somerset has voted unanimously to reject the adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism.

The matter came before the Council in February of this year but a vote only took place this week, with 35 councillors voting against with none in favour and seven abstaining.

It is understood that the Council determined that it was not necessary to adopt the Definition because existing policies on equality and discrimination were sufficient.

Campaign Against Antisemitism recently published its first Audit of Local Authorities, documenting the campaign for widespread adoption of the Definition by local authorities. Mendip is almost unique in having considered adoption of the Definition but ultimately rejected it.

Rejecting the Definition is completely unacceptable at a time when antisemitism is so common in local politics.

Politically, the Council has no overall control but is dominated by the Liberal Democrats, with the Conservatives and the Greens also holding numerous seats.