Starmer vows ‘zero tolerance’ on antisemitism at universities, demands action

The Prime Minister has pledged to implement a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to anti-Semitism on university campuses and has called for institutions to demonstrate their efforts in addressing the issue.

The Government is urging universities to “demonstrate action” on antisemitism, according to the Prime Minister.

Speaking at a roundtable in Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer stated: “In our schools, colleges, and universities, we are investing £7 million to combat antisemitism while ensuring that Holocaust education is provided in all schools.

“And today we are going further. We already expect universities to clearly outline disciplinary consequences for antisemitism and to enforce them, and we will hold them accountable for that.

“Today, I can announce that we will raise the standard higher. When abuses occur, we are calling on universities to demonstrate action.

“We will now expect them to publish the extent of the problem on their campuses, along with the specific measures they have taken to address it. There will be zero tolerance for inaction.”

The Prime Minister urged representatives from the arts, universities, trade unions, and business bodies to act swiftly in addressing antisemitism.

Sir Keir Starmer told the meeting in Downing Street: “I am asking each and every one of you to reflect on how antisemitism manifests in the sectors you lead, how it may be allowed to persist and spread, and on the efforts you are currently undertaking to eliminate it.

“I am calling on you to act urgently, to clearly identify your successes, and equally clearly identify where there is still work to be done, and to commit to the tangible actions needed for Jewish people in this country to feel safe again, because stopping antisemitism is not someone else’s responsibility, it is ours collectively.

“That is the challenge before us, and only by working together will we overcome it.”

Sir Keir also warned Iran that efforts to incite violence and hatred in the UK “will not be tolerated,” amid suspicions that Tehran could be supporting antisemitic attacks.

The Prime Minister stated that there would be “consequences” if Iran was found to be behind some of the incidents.

Describing the situation as a “crisis” following the Golders Green attack, Sir Keir said new legislation would be expedited to address “malign threats.”

Speaking in Downing Street, he said: “One line of inquiry is whether a foreign state has been behind some of these incidents.

“We are investigating all possibilities, of course.

“And we are clear that these actions will have consequences if that proves to be the case.

“Our message to Iran or any other country that may seek to promote violence, hatred, or division in society is that it will not be tolerated.

“That is why we are fast-tracking legislation to tackle these malign threats.”