Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the causes of the fall in childhood vaccination coverage rates since 2013–14.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

Recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England indicates a decline in coverage for childhood vaccination programmes. The extent of these changes varies depending on the specific vaccination programme and the age group being considered.

Public concerns about the level of preschool vaccination uptake prompted the National Audit Office to investigate the reasons behind the decline. The report identified several structural issues, including fragmented program delivery, difficult access for parents, and inconsistencies in professional communication. The copy of the full report is attached.

The Government is committed to having high uptake in all our vaccination programmes, and has an established independent scientific advisory group, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which is responsible for advising United Kingdom health departments on immunisations for the prevention of infections and/or disease.

The UKHSA has also established a forum bringing together the four UK nations to review factors impacting the decline in uptake, and to identify actions and shared learning to improve access to services and to address other potential barriers.

The UKHSA conducts research to assess public confidence in national vaccination programmes. Annual surveys consistently show that confidence in vaccination remains high.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how they plan to reflect the proposals set out in the NHS vaccination strategy in the 10 Year Health Plan.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Department and NHS England are working collaboratively on the development of the 10-Year Health Plan, including through independent investigation, a public engagement exercise, and wider policy development.

It is too early to say exactly what the 10-Year Health Plan will look like, but what is certain is that delivering on prevention will remain a priority as part of the plan’s three shifts to get the health service and the nation’s health thriving once again.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the compatibility of anti-Zionism with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism.

Answered by Lord Khan of Burnley - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why we’re taking a strong lead in tackling it in all its forms.  Sadly, we have seen how events in the Middle East are used as an excuse to stir up hatred and violence against Jewish communities.

The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism outlines that antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.

The Definition contains several illustrative examples that demonstrate what may be considered antisemitism, depending on the overall context.

We became the first country to adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism and continue to encourage other bodies to do so. Over three quarters of councils in England have now adopted the IHRA definition.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by StandWithUs UK Voice of Students 2024/25, published on 7 May, and what steps they plan to take with regard to university staff who have reportedly expressed (1) antisemitic views, and (2) support for proscribed terror groups.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The report contains testimonies that are deeply concerning. I have heard first-hand from students about their experiences of antisemitism at an event in this House held on 11 March.

​Universities must take reasonably practicable steps to protect freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law. Unlawful harassment or violence, hate speech against staff and students on campus or inciting others to violence or terrorism are not protected.

Encouraging terrorism and supporting proscribed terrorist organisations are criminal offences, and higher education providers must not provide a platform for these activities. The department expects university leaders to take robust action, particularly where there are concerns that a criminal act may have been committed, including reporting crimes to the police.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education will shortly host a round table to which she has invited several Vice Chancellors, many of whose students and universities are featured in StandWithUs UK’s testimonials. This will be an opportunity to discuss what more can be done collectively, and at all levels, to make our universities a safe and inclusive environment for all.

We have confirmed £7 million in funding to address antisemitism in education.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to help ensure the safety of Jewish students at universities.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Minister for Women and Equalities)

The report contains testimonies that are deeply concerning. I have heard first-hand from students about their experiences of antisemitism at an event in this House held on 11 March.

​Universities must take reasonably practicable steps to protect freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law. Unlawful harassment or violence, hate speech against staff and students on campus or inciting others to violence or terrorism are not protected.

Encouraging terrorism and supporting proscribed terrorist organisations are criminal offences, and higher education providers must not provide a platform for these activities. The department expects university leaders to take robust action, particularly where there are concerns that a criminal act may have been committed, including reporting crimes to the police.

My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education will shortly host a round table to which she has invited several Vice Chancellors, many of whose students and universities are featured in StandWithUs UK’s testimonials. This will be an opportunity to discuss what more can be done collectively, and at all levels, to make our universities a safe and inclusive environment for all.

We have confirmed £7 million in funding to address antisemitism in education.

Found: Lord Blencathra; Lord Bradley; Lord Carter of Coles; Baroness Cass; Baroness Coffey; Lord Laming; Lord Mott

Found: Members present: Baroness Morris of Yardley (The Chair); Lord Blencathra; Lord Bradley; Lord Laming; Lord Mott

Found: Lord Blencathra; Lord Bradley; Lord Carter of Coles; Baroness Cass; Baroness Coffey; Lord Laming: Lord Mott

Found: Clause 16 LORD MOTT _ Clause 16, page 9, line 20, at end insert “within three months of the day on

Found: Clause 16 LORD MOTT _ Clause 16, page 9, line 20, at end insert “within three months of the day on

Found: Clause 16 LORD MOTT ★_ Clause 16, page 9, line 20, at end insert “within three months of the day on

Found: LORD MOTT _ Clause 90, page 51, line 11, leave out “shape” and insert “design, shape or interoperability

Found: LORD MOTT _ Clause 90, page 51, line 11, leave out “shape” and insert “design, shape or interoperability

Found: LORD MOTT _ Clause 90, page 51, line 11, leave out “shape” and insert “design, shape or interoperability

Found: LORD MOTT _ Clause 90, page 51, line 11, leave out “shape” and insert “design, shape or interoperability

Found: LORD MOTT ★_ Clause 90, page 51, line 11, leave out “shape” and insert “design, shape or interoperability