NHS staff could face ban on wearing Palestine badges to combat antisemitism
NHS staff could be banned from displaying politically aligned badges on their uniforms, such as the Palestine flag, following a review by the Government's independent antisemitism adviser.
Lord Mann has proposed a ban on pro-Palestinian symbols and similar insignia to address alleged antisemitism within the health service.
Health Secretary James Murray said Lord Mann's report "has made a series of robust and practical recommendations" to combat the issue.
The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed it would implement all recommendations, pending consultation and engagement with relevant stakeholders.
The review was commissioned following the fatal attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester last October and forms part of a broader examination of antisemitism across various sectors, as well as institutions.
Lord Mann's investigation uncovered troubling evidence of Jewish patients and healthcare workers concealing their religious identity while in NHS settings.
The report documented what it termed "routine ostracism" experienced by Jewish employees within the health service.
Lord Mann said: "People are leaving and have left the NHS because of that. There are people who are very quietly whispering it to me that they've made life changes, career changes, because of the ostracisation they've had for being Jewish."
The review also highlighted cases where Jewish patients have avoided seeking medical treatment, entirely due to fears of encountering antisemitism.
Lord Mann warned such avoidance "can be catastrophic if they choose to put off the appointment".
The report expressed healthcare settings should remain free from personal political expression, arguing strongly held views create problems for patients.
It comes as two doctors and a nurse have initiated legal proceedings against Barts Health NHS Trust, claiming its dress code policy discriminates against their pro-Palestinian beliefs.
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In response, Lord Mann told the BBC: "An 'I support Palestine' badge, or anything like that, is a problem for some people, just in the same way as an 'I support Israel' badge is a problem for some people. Don't wear either."
The adviser drew a clear distinction between political badges and religious items, stating there is no issue with staff wearing symbols such as a crucifix or Star of David.
He shared confidence the NHS possesses sufficient sophistication to differentiate between personal religious expression and the political symbols he recommends banning.
A Jewish accident and emergency doctor, speaking anonymously, told the BBC she had felt uncomfortable observing colleagues wearing pro-Palestinian badges.
She said: "The public should have trust in healthcare professionals and if you express political opinions, it can undermine that trust."
Jim Mackey, NHS England's chief executive, confirmed the organisation accepts all recommendations and pledged swift implementation – describing antisemitism in the health service as "unacceptable".
The Jewish Medical Association also expressed support for prohibiting political symbols from any country, emphasising the need for non-discriminatory application.
Meanwhile, Karen Newman, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, called for public services to set standards in "confronting anti-Jewish hatred".
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