Overview
- The British Medical Association voted on June 24 to urge the government and NHS England to revoke the mandatory use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism in NHS bodies until free-speech safeguards are in place.
- The motion asks the BMA to provide urgent guidance and support for members facing disciplinary action for expressing political views or ethical concerns about international conflicts, including Palestine and Israel.
- The push comes after NHS England adopted IHRA in October 2025 and the government endorsed an independent review that recommended mandatory antisemitism training for all NHS leaders and limits on political symbols and wearing uniforms at protests.
- Critics inside medicine say IHRA’s examples risk conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, citing recent cases where staff were reprimanded for Palestine-related symbols or statements, while supporters say IHRA is vital to identify anti-Jewish hate.
- The BMA motion is non-binding and will not change statutory policy by itself, but it raises the prospect of further political and workplace disputes and could prompt ministers to revise guidance on discipline, training, and how NHS trusts handle political expression.