Antisemitism: the way forward

Sir, While I suspect that the vast majority of Britons neither know nor care whether someone is Jewish, sadly antisemitism seems to be flourishing in many of our best universities. In consequence many Israeli and Jewish students feel under pressure. Vice-chancellors have been far too feeble in combating antisemitism. They should send down students guilty of discriminating or harassing other students on account of their ethnicity; and they should send down anyone seeking to restrict freedom of speech by preventing those who wish to support Israel from doing so. Those who wish to criticise or even demonise Israel face no such constraints.

The prime minister has shown, symbolically, his abhorrence of antisemitism. But, while welcome, this is not enough. He should see the vice-chancellors, as Rishi Sunak did, and remind them of their responsibilities. In the US, President Trump has cut the funding of those universities that have not succeeded in protecting Israeli and Jewish students. Sir Keir Starmer should not be less active in combating racism than the US president

Sir Vernon Bogdanor Professor of government, KCL; member, international advisory council, Israel Democracy Institute

I decided it would be best to kick off with Sir Vernon Bogdanor's letter in today's Times. My reason is that Sir Vernon is highlighting the need to take resolute action to bring antisemitism under control. For antisemitism is a contagious and extremely serious disease. I am sure that there are other steps which HMG can and must take.

Written by Simon Cawkwell, December 2025