Lord Walney

The government is deeply concerned by the findings of the StandWithUs UK University Campus Polling.

Antisemitism is unacceptable, and universities must have robust policies and processes in place for preventing and tackling it. Whilst it is entirely right that universities protect freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus, this does not extend to hate, harassment or incitement. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education recently met with Vice Chancellors to discuss what more could be done to address the continued unacceptable level of antisemitism on our campuses.

From August 2025, the Office for Students’ new condition of registration for preventing, addressing and investigating incidents of harassment will take effect and universities will be held to account for their action. Furthermore, under the Prevent duty, the Office for Students monitors and evaluates whether universities and other higher education providers have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

The government is also investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism in education, including support for Jewish student welfare and remains committed to ensuring that all students can study in safety and dignity.

The government is deeply concerned by the findings of the StandWithUs UK University Campus Polling.

Antisemitism is unacceptable, and universities must have robust policies and processes in place for preventing and tackling it. Whilst it is entirely right that universities protect freedom of speech and academic freedom on campus, this does not extend to hate, harassment or incitement. My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education recently met with Vice Chancellors to discuss what more could be done to address the continued unacceptable level of antisemitism on our campuses.

From August 2025, the Office for Students’ new condition of registration for preventing, addressing and investigating incidents of harassment will take effect and universities will be held to account for their action. Furthermore, under the Prevent duty, the Office for Students monitors and evaluates whether universities and other higher education providers have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

The government is also investing £7 million to tackle antisemitism in education, including support for Jewish student welfare and remains committed to ensuring that all students can study in safety and dignity.

During this year's Al Quds day march and counter-protest, the Metropolitan Police Service put public order conditions in place. While there were 10 arrests at last year's Al Quds day protest, in 2025 one arrest was reported on the day. The Government supports the police in using their powers to respond to unlawful behaviour, but the use of these powers is a matter for police who are operationally independent.

On the 4^th March, the Security Minister announced to Parliament a concerted package of measures to counter the threat from the Iranian Intelligence Services. This includes our decision to specify Iran on the Enhanced Tier of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which will require individuals and organisations directed by Iran to conduct activity in the UK to register with the Home Office. Failure to do so will be a criminal offence.

In concert with partners, the UK Government will continue to use all appropriate tools at our disposal to protect the UK and its people against any threats from the Iranian state, including malign influence.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is leading cross-Government efforts to develop a longer-term, more strategic approach to social cohesion - working in partnership with communities and local stakeholders to rebuild, renew and address the deep-seated issues. This will include further consideration of how to effectively measure social cohesion.

The Defending Democracy Taskforce, chaired by the Security Minister, has a mandate to safeguard our democratic institutions and processes from the full range of threats, and the Joint Election Security and Preparedness Unit is an enduring function that coordinates election security efforts across Government.