Phillipson urges UK universities to combat antisemitism

Published: 13 October 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called on universities across the United Kingdom to take decisive action against antisemitism, warning that Jewish students are increasingly fearful for their safety on campus. Speaking with urgency and conviction, she said the rise in antisemitic incidents in higher education institutions is “completely unacceptable” and must be addressed with concrete measures rather than statements of intent.

In her appearance on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Phillipson emphasised that universities have both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that all students can study without fear of harassment or discrimination. “There can be no place for harassment and intimidation,” she said. “Universities can and must act on that.”

Phillipson revealed that the government is rolling out new funding to help universities identify and counter antisemitism. This includes financial support for training staff and students to better understand, report, and respond to hate incidents. “We’re funding a nationwide initiative to help tackle this poison of antisemitism on campuses,” she said, adding that such training would equip university communities to deal effectively with discrimination.

The announcement follows widespread concern about antisemitism linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has triggered large-scale protests and political tensions across the UK. Over the past year, several university campuses have seen demonstrations and heated debates surrounding the war in Gaza, with Jewish and pro-Israel students reporting harassment and intimidation.

A recent report by the Community Security Trust (CST), a UK charity that provides security for Jewish institutions such as synagogues and schools, found a dramatic rise in campus antisemitism. According to the CST, there was a 117% increase in antisemitic incidents at universities during the 2022/23 and 2023/24 academic years compared with the preceding two years. The report cited examples of vandalism, verbal abuse, online threats, and classroom hostility, painting a deeply troubling picture of campus life for many Jewish students.

Phillipson said she had personally spoken with students and families affected by antisemitism. “On campus, Jewish students don’t feel safe,” she said. “And often, parents worry about sending their children to university. We cannot accept that. There can be no place for it.”

To combat the growing problem, the Department for Education has partnered with the Union of Jewish Students (UJS), which will deliver 600 training sessions nationwide. These workshops are designed to help university staff recognise antisemitism, support affected students, and promote inclusive environments. The government has also established a £4 million fund to support projects that educate young people about misinformation, hate speech, and interfaith understanding.

Additionally, £2 million has been allocated to teaching about the Holocaust in English secondary schools. The funding aims to ensure that future generations understand the catastrophic consequences of unchecked hatred and prejudice. “Education is our most powerful tool against hate,” Phillipson said. “By teaching the lessons of history, we help build the foundations of a more tolerant society.”

Her remarks came just days after a tragic incident in Manchester, where two Jewish men were killed in a terrorist attack at a synagogue during Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The attack sent shockwaves through the Jewish community and reignited public debate about antisemitism in Britain.

In the same Kuenssberg programme, Conservative shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel accused the Labour government of failing to act decisively enough to address the problem. Patel said the government needed to “grip antisemitism in the UK,” referring to what she called “hate marches where people are being so racist to the Jewish community.”

She was referring to a series of large-scale pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have taken place in London and other major cities over the past months. On Saturday, thousands gathered in central London for a march in solidarity with Palestinians, marking the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had earlier urged students and citizens not to join the protests, warning of “rising antisemitism on our streets.” However, the marches proceeded despite his calls for restraint. While the majority of the demonstrations were peaceful, police confirmed that 14 people were arrested for offences including affray, breaching Public Order Act conditions, and supporting a proscribed organisation.

Patel said the protests had “shown the level of division and hatred in our society,” calling them “ugly demonstrations” that made Jewish Britons feel unsafe. “Look at what happened on the streets of London yesterday,” she said. “Look at the level of hatred that was demonstrated on the streets of London to Britain’s Jewish community.”

However, organisers of the pro-Palestinian march rejected Patel’s claims. Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC), said his movement would “never stop” supporting Palestinians in their struggle for justice and human rights. “This is a movement supported by millions of people in this country and around the world who want freedom and justice for Palestine,” Jamal said.

During the rally, demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine,” “Stop arming Israel,” and “Ceasefire now.” Counter-protesters also gathered nearby in support of Israel, though police worked to keep the groups separate to avoid clashes.

Phillipson acknowledged that freedom of speech and the right to protest are fundamental democratic rights, but she emphasised that these must never become a cover for hatred. “We can protect freedom of expression while also protecting communities from hate,” she said. “Universities should be places where ideas are debated, not where students feel endangered because of their identity.”

She said the government’s new funding measures were part of a broader strategy to make higher education safer and more inclusive. “Our universities are among the best in the world,” Phillipson said. “They should also be the safest places in the world for every student, regardless of faith or background.”

The Education Secretary also pledged to work closely with the Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to strengthen the UK’s broader anti-hate framework. Ministers are expected to meet with university vice-chancellors later this month to review institutional policies and agree on stricter guidelines for dealing with hate speech and campus demonstrations.

Phillipson’s intervention comes at a time of growing concern about community cohesion in Britain. A recent survey by the Jewish Policy Research Institute found that 70% of Jewish students in the UK have experienced or witnessed antisemitism on campus. Many reported being targeted online or feeling uncomfortable displaying Jewish symbols or attending religious events openly.

The government’s new initiative has been broadly welcomed by Jewish community groups, who say that stronger enforcement and education are long overdue. The Board of Deputies of British Jews praised Phillipson’s statement, describing it as “a necessary and timely call to action.” The group said it hoped universities would respond swiftly to ensure that Jewish students can study in safety and dignity.

Meanwhile, student unions and academic groups have urged the government to balance its approach to antisemitism with efforts to prevent Islamophobia and other forms of hate. The National Union of Students (NUS) said it would cooperate with the government’s plan but insisted that “all forms of racism must be confronted together.”

For many observers, the issue now lies in implementation. Universities have faced criticism in recent years for being slow to respond to hate incidents or for treating them as free-speech issues rather than disciplinary matters. Phillipson has made clear that inaction will no longer be tolerated.

“The safety of students is non-negotiable,” she said. “We expect every university to show leadership, take responsibility, and take action.”

As the debate over antisemitism and free expression continues to divide public opinion, one message from the government is unmistakable: British universities must rise to the challenge of creating campuses that are not only centres of knowledge, but also sanctuaries of respect, safety, and inclusion for all.