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Thank you, Madam Chair. Could I express a belated thank you to today’s speakers for their insights on addressing intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. Forums such as this are essential for sharing practical experiences and strengthening our collective response. While this is not a new challenge, it is one that is particularly acute today. Regrettably, just last week, there was an appalling incid...
Thank you, Madam Chair. Could I express a belated thank you to today’s speakers for their insights on addressing intolerance and discrimination based on religion or belief. Forums such as this are essential for sharing practical experiences and strengthening our collective response. While this is not a new challenge, it is one that is particularly acute today. Regrettably, just last week, there was an appalling incident in Edinburgh, which appears to have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. All forms of religious and racial hatred are completely abhorrent and have no place in our society. No one should be targeted because of their faith or the colour of their skin. Dear colleagues, I would like to use this opportunity to provide an update on the UK’s domestic efforts to tackle antisemitism. Across the OSCE region, we are witnessing a worrying rise in antisemitism, alongside other forms of hatred and intolerance. Recent attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions in the UK have underlined both the scale of the challenge and the urgency of action. The UK Government treats antisemitism as a national challenge and a test of our values. It is recognised clearly as racism - anti‑Jewish hatred - and our approach is one of zero tolerance. We are using the full force of the state to protect Jewish communities and confront this hatred wherever it appears. Our approach is guided by three priorities: protecting communities, enforcing the law, and addressing root causes. First, on protection. The safety of Jewish communities is a core responsibility of the state. The UK has committed record levels of funding for protective security at Jewish schools, synagogues and community sites, including an additional package this year to strengthen local security, policing and preventative measures. We have increased visible police patrols, expanded specialist deployments, and invested further in counter‑terrorism capabilities. Our objective is that British Jews are not only safe, but feel safe. Second, on enforcement and deterrence. Antisemitic abuse and violence are criminal acts. Those responsible will be held accountable in our courts. At the same time, we are strengthening powers to prevent extremist actors from spreading hatred - by restricting entry to the UK, tackling harmful online content, and addressing malign foreign state activity. Institutions are also being held to account: universities, public bodies, and publicly funded organisations are expected to act decisively and transparently to confront antisemitism. Third, on prevention. We are addressing the drivers of antisemitism across society. This includes targeted work in schools, universities and public institutions, backed by dedicated funding for education and awareness on antisemitism. Holocaust education remains central, ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of hatred. We are also implementing a broader national cohesion and counter‑extremism approach, recognising that antisemitism must be tackled alongside other forms of extremist ideology. These domestic measures are underpinned by our international commitments. The UK was the first country to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, and we support the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. Earlier this year, our Foreign Secretary announced the appointment of Jon Pearce MP as the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues. His appointment not only demonstrates the UK’s continued leadership and dedication to Holocaust remembrance, education, and research, but also represents our unwavering commitment to the protection of the Jewish community in the UK and abroad, championing UK policy and supporting the fight against the scourge of antisemitism. Colleagues, we must also address the external factors that fuel antisemitism. In an attempt to justify its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has distorted Holocaust memory and misused historically loaded language. This cynical weaponisation of history dishonours the victims of the Holocaust, undermines truth, and contributes to a climate in which antisemitism can flourish. We strongly condemn it. In conclusion, the UK is determined to confront antisemitism in all its forms. Antisemitism is not only a threat to Jewish communities; it is a threat to our societies as a whole. Addressing it is a shared responsibility. Thank you.
Speech Brief