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UK government facing legal challenge over IHRA antisemitism definition in schools
The Good Law Project has launched a legal challenge to the UK government’s recommendation that schools adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The group says the definition risks conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism and restricting legitimate speech, while recognising that antisemitism is a real concern for Jewish people.
The recommendation followed a report by education official David Bell, which made 27 proposals on antisemitism in schools and colleges. The article says the report’s widely reported claim that three in five Jewish students had experienced antisemitism was based on 29 of 70 respondents to a relevant question, around two in five; the report itself warned that the sample was small and should be treated cautiously. The IHRA definition was originally a non-binding monitoring tool, and seven of its 11 examples refer to Israel; its lead author has cautioned against using it as a disciplinary or legal instrument.
In short
- Good Law Project challenges the government’s school guidance.
- Critics say the IHRA definition may curb legitimate speech about Israel.
- The report’s student survey found 29 of 70 respondents reported antisemitism.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Schools need clear guidance to recognise and address antisemitism, which can make Jewish pupils feel unsafe and excluded. The IHRA definition offers a widely used framework, and the government’s recommendation may help staff respond consistently while leaving room to consider context and protect legitimate debate about Israel.
The case against
A definition designed as a non-binding monitoring tool may be unsuitable as a standard for school discipline, especially when several examples concern Israel and its own lead author has cautioned against that use. Critics argue that adopting it risks chilling legitimate political speech and that policy should rest on careful evidence, particularly where the reported survey findings may have been overstated.
Explained simply
Antisemitism means hostility or prejudice towards Jewish people. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), an organisation of governments and other bodies, developed a definition to help identify and monitor antisemitism; it is non-binding and includes examples concerning Israel.
Schools in the UK have been encouraged to use the definition as part of efforts to address antisemitism. Debate centres on how some examples involving Israel should be understood, and whether applying them could affect legitimate criticism of Israeli policies or actions.
The issue involves the government, schools, Jewish pupils and staff, and campaign groups. It matters because schools must address antisemitism while making decisions about how to protect open discussion and freedom of expression.
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