Labour has today launched an “independent review into antisemitism in England’s schools and colleges.” It is to be led by David Bell, former permanent secretary at the DfE. Another review…
The DfE says it is responding to a rise in school-related antisemitic incidents which doubled in 2025 compared to pre-2023 levels. It adds: “Over a fifth of British Jewish parents also report their children have experienced antisemitism at school, on their way to school, or in the school’s vicinity, demonstrating a clear need to act now.” We shall act, by considering whether to act…
Bell’s job is to “examine how well schools and colleges are supported to handle incidents of antisemitism, including through their own policies and relevant government guidance.” His report is due in Autumn this year. He will report recommendations by Autumn 2026 as part of government’s wider social cohesion drive. Buried at the bottom is a note that the review “will not make recommendations directly relating to core schools or further education funding or workplace supply issues, which will be considered through the spending review and business planning processes.” Restricted…
UPDATE: Laura Trott questions why the review is not examining the role of the NEU:
This is welcome but any review that avoids scrutinising unions, including their role in blocking Damien Egan from visiting a school, lacks teeth. No one should be above accountability & the same urgent action is needed in our universities, where antisemitism continues unchecked. https://t.co/8ImdMtuc03
— Laura Trott MP (@LauraTrottMP) March 4, 2026
Speaking to Adam Boulton on Times Radio about kicking the Golders Green suspect, Heidi Alexander said:
“I thought that if I was in the shoes of that police officer, then if I’m honest, given the situation, and the fact that he had a backpack on his back, and they were worried about whether that might go off, I could, if I was a police officer, frankly, I could see myself having taken similar action.”