NEU criticises Labour’s plan to adopt Holocaust remembrance definition in schools

Labour said it would accept all 27 recommendations in a review of anti-Semitism in schools, including asking schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition. The National Education Union (NEU) criticised that proposal, warning it could deter discussion of Israel and Gaza; the dispute highlights tensions over how schools should address rising anti-Semitism while protecting open debate.

The review, led by Sir David Bell, also recommends including anti-Semitism in safeguarding policies, training teachers and asking Ofsted to hold schools to account. It found that three in five Jewish pupils have experienced anti-Semitism, and said unions should have robust policies while noting they are not inherently anti-Semitic. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcomed the review but called for greater accountability from unions; NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede cited a separate review that found no evidence of systemic anti-Semitism in his union.