NHS to restrict political symbols on uniforms after antisemitism report
7 reported
The NHS is implementing measures to address antisemitism following a government-ordered review by Lord Mann, the government’s adviser on antisemitism. The review found that Jewish patients and staff face “routine ostracism” in the service, with some patients hiding their identity and staff “suffer in silence.” In response, NHS staff will have their freedom to display political symbols on their uniforms restricted, and leaders of England’s 205 health trusts will receive antisemitism training. The report, set to be published on Thursday, warns that antisemitism threatens the NHS’s basis as a universal service, as some Jewish patients have delayed or avoided treatment. The moves will target all forms of racism and discrimination, including racism against black and ethnic minority staff and Islamophobia. The report was commissioned by former health secretary Wes Streeting after reports of doctors making antisemitic comments.
What’s reported
Lord Mann’s 60-page report finds Jewish patients and staff face “routine ostracism” in the NHS.
NHS staff will have their freedom to display political symbols on uniforms restricted.
Chairs and chief executives of all 205 NHS trusts in England will undergo mandatory anti-racism training, including antisemitism, within six months.
Jewish staff are the only religious group in the NHS workforce reporting growing discrimination by colleagues, according to the latest staff survey.
Two doctors, Manoj Sen and Mohammed Asif Munaf, have been struck off the medical register for antisemitic behaviour.
Doctor Rahmeh Aladwan is due to go on trial at Bristol crown court next year on charges including inviting support for Hamas and stirring up racial hatred.
The General Medical Council received 779 complaints of alleged antisemitism by UK doctors between October 2023 and December 2025, investigating 86 cases.
Key figures
Lord Mann, government’s adviser on antisemitism
Wes Streeting, former health secretary
Rebecca Gray, director at the NHS Alliance
Prof Nicola Ranger, general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing
Helen Morgan, Liberal Democrat health spokesperson
Manoj Sen, doctor struck off medical register
Mohammed Asif Munaf, doctor struck off medical register
Rahmeh Aladwan, doctor due to go on trial
Sources: The Guardian
