British Medical Association Votes to Remove IHRA Antisemitism Definition from NHS Amid Rising Tensions

On 24 June 2026 at its Brighton meeting, the British Medical Association (BMA) passed Motion 55 to investigate and scrap the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism from the NHS. The motion warns the 2025-adopted definition may chill political speech and doctors’ concerns about Israel-Palestine, and calls for suspending its use pending a risk assessment.

The Jerusalem Post

Antisemitic incidents in the NHS rose sharply after the Oct 7 2023 Hamas attacks, a trend recorded by the Jewish Medical Association (JMA) and Lord John Mann’s April 2025 review, which noted routine ostracism of Jewish staff. The NHS adopted the IHRA definition in 2025 after Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s mandate. The BMA’s June 2026 vote follows anti-Israel motions, including one on Agenda 1 and ten on Agenda 2.

The Algemeiner Journal

Key participants include the BMA, which says the definition restricts free speech; the JMA, which calls the BMA’s stance a “blind spot for Jews” and reports threats; HAC directors Dr Rehiana Ali, Dr Tamara Ali and Dr Ranjeet Brar, who circulated anti-JMA pamphlets; Lord Mann, whose report highlighted ostracism; and Dr Baruch Michaels, who relocated to Israel citing safety concerns.

The campaign against Britain’s Jewish doctors

The BMA agenda included one Israel-related motion on Agenda 1 and ten on Agenda 2. NHS staff surveys show Jewish staff as the only religious group with rising discrimination. A WhatsApp group of hundreds of Jewish doctors records antisemitic incidents. HAC circulated pamphlets pairing the Star of David with a swastika, calling Zionism a “racist, anti-Semitic tool.” Dr Michaels reports street harassment and acid threats; Dr David notes a “lower level of antisemitism that no one will bother reporting.”

The campaign against Britain’s Jewish doctors

Supporters say the IHRA definition clearly identifies antisemitism and protects Jewish patients and staff. Opponents argue it equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism and suppresses legitimate criticism of Israel. Medical community remains divided, with no consensus on incident counts or on how many NHS trusts have applied the definition. Muslim medical groups deem the focus on antisemitism “too narrow.”

The Algemeiner JournalThe Jerusalem PostReligion news 24 June 2026The campaign against Britain’s Jewish doctors

• “Sultan claimed that, ‘The IHRA definition is used to silence Muslims and Palestinian voices, by equating anti Zionism with anti-Semitism.” — Dr Shabina Sultan

The campaign against Britain’s Jewish doctors

• “ The core argument of the motion is essentially that the IHRA definition, as applied in the NHS, may be used to restrict legitimate criticism of Israel and discussion of Palestine, and therefore requires closer scrutiny and stronger protections for free expression.” — Motion text (JPost)

The Jerusalem Post

Dr Ranjeet Brar has filed a judicial review challenging the NHS’s use of the IHRA definition. The BMA says it will continue lobbying for safeguards and support for members facing disciplinary action. The government’s response to Lord Mann’s recommendations on NHS antisemitism remains pending, leaving the definition’s future uncertain.

The Algemeiner Journal