Tackling Antisemitism: National Security Adviser

Baroness Ludford Excerpts

Tuesday 20th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Mann (Lab)]

My Lords—

[Baroness Ludford (LD)]

My Lords—

[Lord Grade of Yarmouth (Con)]

My Lords—

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We have to have a whole of government response, as otherwise we cannot tackle this. I thank my noble friend for his work and his review into antisemitism and racism in the NHS and the healthcare system. We are expecting the findings of Sir David Bell’s independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges shortly. Unless we look at and tackle antisemitism wherever it is found and wherever it manifests its ugly head, we will not tackle it effectively. This will definitely require an all-government, whole of government approach.

[Baroness Ludford (LD)]

My Lords, I would normally resist making spouses responsible for each other’s pronouncements, but this situation is worrying for a highly sensitive position. If vetting for the post of National Security Adviser encompasses the family and household, were Sarah Helm’s posts ignored or were they accepted as okay?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

As I stated previously, the views are held by an individual who does not represent the Government in any capacity. I can only repeat that again to the noble Baroness.