Universities Minister Chris Skidmore tells UK universities to “show moral leadership” and formally adopt International Definition of Antisemitism

Chris Skidmore, the Minister of State for Universities, has urged all of the UK’s higher education institutions to formally adopt the International Definition of Antisemitism.

In a letter to all universities, Mr Skidmore wrote that: “Institutions like King’s College London are already displaying leadership in this area but I expect our universities, as vehicles of change, to show moral leadership and adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which shows that an institution and its senior leaders are serious about ensuring their campuses are tolerant environments where ideas and debate can flourish but persecution can never take hold.”

The Department for Education (DfE) posted a video on Twitter reiterating the message and calling on universities to adopt the definition. Mr Skidmore met with Jewish students yesterday to hear about their concerns and experiences of antisemitism on campus.

Jewish students sometimes suffer appalling intimidation, abuse and even violence at British universities.

The National Union of Students has adopted the definition, but the University and College Union has rejected it.

Campaign Against Antisemitism applauds Mr Skidmore for taking this measure which demonstrates the Government’s support for Jewish students.

Students who would like advice or help can e-mail us at [email protected].

Britain was the first country in the world to adopt the Definition, something for which Campaign Against Antisemitism, Lord Eric Pickles and others worked hard for over many meetings with officials at Downing Street.