Fury as doctors pledge to fight against NHS stance on anti-Semitism and pro-Palestinian badges

By SHAUN WOOLLER, EXECUTIVE HEALTH EDITOR Published: 00:16, 27 June 2026 | Updated: 00:18, 27 June 2026 Doctors have caused outrage by voting to campaign against a proposed ban on Pro-Palestinian badges, anti-Semitism training and the definition of anti-Semitism. Delegates at the British Medical Association's (BMA) annual meeting this week expressed 'grave concerns' about using an official definition of anti-Semitism across the health service, claiming it suppresses free speech. The union voted to lobby the Government and NHS England to revoke its adoption and to oppose the roll-out of measures aimed at tackling anti-Semitism. The motion was proposed by Shabina Sultan, a consultant rheumatologist at Airedale Hospital in Keighley, West Yorkshire. She told the meeting that the definition 'is used to silence Muslims and Palestinian voices by equating anti-Zionism with anti-Semitism'. Doctors have voted campaign against a proposed ban on Pro-Palestinian badges as well as anti-Semitism training (file image) Dr Rahmeh Aladwan (pictured) from Pilning, Gloucestershire is awaiting trial on six counts of supporting Hamas and stirring up anti-Jewish racial hatred She said: 'This definition weaponises accusations to suppress our voices and obscure our oppression, which is why I proposed this motion.' Dr Rahmeh Aladwan, from Pilning, Gloucestershire is awaiting trial on six counts of supporting Hamas and stirring up anti-Jewish racial hatred. It is alleged she posted: 'I don't condemn Hamas. I don't condemn October 7.' The Jewish Medical Association said it was 'highly alarmed' by the BMA vote. The Israeli Embassy said the BMA had 'neglected its duties and been hijacked.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.