January 8, 2020 12.27 pm This story is over 50 months old

North East Lincolnshire Council to adopt anti-Semitism definition

The council said it will help to enhance quality
Conservatives have retained control of Grimsby town hall | Photo: David Wright

North East Lincolnshire Council is set to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism.

The authority said the move would help to “enhance its commitment to equality and diversity” across the region.

Senior councillors on the council’s executive will meet to make a decision on the plan on January 15.

A report before councillors next week will say that the council has a duty to ensure that people are treated “fairly and consistently”.

It will say: “Our approach to equality and diversity is that we should minimise all forms of discrimination and bias that are used to treat groups or individuals unfairly or to target them because of their religion or other protected characteristic.

“Adopting the definition outlined above adds value to our commitment by clearly stating how we will meet this duty in relation to Jews and the Jewish community.”

The IHRA defintion was formally agreed in October 2016 and looks to encourage education and awareness-raising and help in monitoring and responding to anti-Semitism.

It says: “Anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

“Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

In December 2016, the government formally adopted the IHRA definition.

Meanwhile, North Kesteven District Council added the definition to its equality policy last month.

Leader of the council Richard Wright said he would not “stomach any kind of racial of religious hatred” in the region.

Last year’s General Election campaign saw the Labour Party plagued by accusations of anti-Semitism and the Conservative Party accused of Islamophobia.

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