Starmer orders mandatory antisemitism training for NHS staff

The prime minister has ordered a review of antisemitism in the NHS, saying there are too many cases “simply not being dealt with”.

The review is part of a wider crackdown on antisemitism in the UK, which will also see all 1.5m NHS staff undergo mandatory updated antisemitism and anti-racism training.

Meanwhile, NHS England will review guidance on staff uniforms to “protect freedom of religious expression while ensuring patients feel respected at all times”, the Department of Health and Social Care said.

NHS England and other healthcare bodies will also be asked to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

Sir Keir also announced a £10 million boost for security at sites including synagogues and Jewish schools, sharing the news during a visit to the Community Security Trust (CST), which provides protection for Jewish communities in the UK.

“We have heard loud and clear in the last few days and weeks that words are not enough, action is what matters,” he said.

Streeting will hope these measures help achieve his vision

Wes Streeting was furious when Dr Rahmeh Aladwan was cleared by an interim orders tribunal last September.

The British-Palestinian doctor was referred to the medical tribunal following a series of social media posts, including one that said Israel was “humiliated” by the October 7 attacks.

The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) rejected the complaints against Dr Aladwan and said it believed her views did not present a real risk to patients.

It did not impose interim restrictions against the doctor.

The General Medical Council (GMC) has now re-referred Dr Aladwan for another interim orders tribunal while it continues its investigation.

This is normally done when it believes there is an immediate risk to public protection.

It is Dr Aladwan’s case that prompted the Health Secretary to demand changes…