Campaign Against Antisemitism has published a first-of-its-kind study surveying in real-time the adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism by local authorities across the UK.
Ever since Campaign Against Antisemitism led the effort for adoption of the Definition by the British Government, which became the first in the world to do so, multiple Secretaries of State for Local Government have joined the Jewish community’s push for local authorities to follow suit.
As this research shows, that campaign has yielded results, with much success owed to the work of grassroots local activists and organisations right across the country. We applaud them and the local authorities that have listened, but there remains much to do.
Currently, there are over 200 local authorities that have adopted the Definition, with around 70 where the status of adoption is unclear, often because it is not clear whether the council has adopted the Definition in full with the eleven integral examples or not. Over one hundred local authorities do not appear to have adopted the Definition at all, as of now.
The study gives a fuller picture of the fight against antisemitism at the local level, exposing which local authorities take this issue seriously and which do not, and enabling local activists and voters to make informed choices.
Unfortunately, our research also shows that there is still a long way to go. While a majority of local authorities have adopted the Definition in full, more than a quarter have not done so. A significant number have not adopted it clearly, which may make applying the Definition in disciplinary matters, when it most matters, more difficult.
The purpose of adoption of the full Definition is not only to send a message of where local councillors stand on antisemitism but also to ensure that the Definition is applied in disciplinary cases involving councillors or staff. As this research also shows, the number of local authorities that have actually incorporated the Definition into their codes of conduct for councillors and staff is negligible. Incorporation highlights the wording of the Definition, provides clarity to any disciplinary proceedings and therefore contributes positively to combatting antisemitism.
The study also discusses the shortcomings of the existing disciplinary and sanctions systems in place for dealing with misconduct by local councillors. Adoption of the Definition and its incorporation into codes of conduct are still insufficient if appropriate sanctions are unavailable and local councillors can engage in antisemitic conduct without consequence. We provide a list of recommendations to remedy these problems.
A separate Campaign Against Antisemitism study exposing antisemitism in political parties has shown just how extensive antisemitism is among local councillors and council candidates. Adopting and applying the Definition in antisemitism cases and enforcing judgments with real sanctions are critical if anti-Jewish hatred is to be eradicated from local politics in the UK.
British Jews should not have to endure antisemitism from their elected representatives, and all opponents of racism in our country should root out prejudice at any level of our politics. It is easy to say that antisemitism is unacceptable, but words must be followed by action. Widespread adoption of the Definition is the bare minimum.
The report comes following a surge of antisemitism at the local level over the past several years, which has resulted in the resignation of at least one leader of a council and political control in at least two local councils changing hands.
Gideon Falter, Chief Executive of Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: “This groundbreaking, comprehensive study, which is the product of painstaking research by our team, shows that the campaign for widespread adoption of the International Definition of Antisemitism by local authorities across the UK has been very successful. Unfortunately it also shows that there is still a long way to go: over a quarter of local authorities have yet to adopt the Definition.
“This research is designed to serve as an accessible resource for local media and members of the public, whom we invite to write to their local councillors to urge adoption of the Definition. It also provides critical recommendations to ensure that the fight against antisemitism in local politics has a chance of success.
“The surge of antisemitism at the local level demonstrates just how essential it is for local authorities to adopt the Definition and, crucially, to incorporate it into their codes of conduct for councillors and staff. Antisemitism has no place in our political life, and that must include local politics as well.”
