Steve Reed has written to council leaders following the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue, saying spaces ‘designed to bring people together’ must help stamp out division
Councillors and public servants have a “moral responsibility” to help stamp out antisemitism, the Communities Secretary has claimed.
Steve Reed has written to council leaders following the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue earlier this month, saying spaces “designed to bring people together” such as libraries, community centres and town halls must help stamp out division. Two innocent people were killed and three injured in the terror attack, which happened days before the second anniversary of the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict.
It comes as the Education Secretary announced plans crack down on antisemitic abuse at universities. Young people will be taught how to spot and challenge misinformation online and thousands of teachers will be given training to stamp out antisemitism in classrooms, under plans unveiled by Bridget Phillipson.
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In a letter seen by the Sunday Mirror, Mr Reed has now urged public servants and councillors to consider the practical steps they can take to “challenge and root out antisemitism”.
It says: “Many incidents occur in public spaces – libraries, community centres, town hall rooms, markets and parks – that are meant to bring people together, not be misused to divide us or spread fear. By using your powers to prevent bad actors from exploiting these important facilities, you and your staff can help ensure they continue to be places that actively counter hate speech and promote community cohesion. Your leadership plays a vital role in changing attitudes and strengthening unity across diverse groups: each of you knows your area and what will work best for your wider communities.”
Mr Reed also encouraged councils to follow the UK government in adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Definition of Antisemitism. He added: “We won’t tolerate antisemitism in our society. As Communities Secretary I will do everything to root it out – on our streets, in our local institutions and in every community – working with council leaders across the country.”
The announcement was made at the same time as the government moved to protect Jewish students on campuses. Within weeks, the Union of Jewish Students will begin delivering 600 training sessions to help university staff support students, identify harassment and hate, and facilitate open, respectful debate.
Ms Phillipson has written to vice chancellors urging them to take “practical and proportionate steps” to protect Jewish students from harassment, while continuing to protect lawful free speech and upholding the right to peaceful protest on campus.
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