The UK Government has provided a voluntary report to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe's (OSCE) Human Dimension Committee, outlining its domestic strategy to combat antisemitism. The submission, made during a recent session on addressing intolerance and discrimination, underscored the UK's commitment to tackling what it describes as a worrying rise in antisemitism across the OSCE region.
In its address, the UK representative stated that the government treats antisemitism as a significant national challenge and a test of core values, explicitly recognising it as racism – anti-Jewish hatred. The approach adopted is one of zero tolerance, leveraging the full force of the state to protect Jewish communities and confront this form of hatred wherever it manifests. This follows recent attacks targeting Jewish individuals and institutions within the UK, which have highlighted the urgency of robust action.
The government's strategy is guided by three main priorities: protecting communities, enforcing the law, and addressing root causes. On protection, the UK has committed record levels of funding for security measures at Jewish schools, synagogues, and other community sites. This includes an additional package this year to bolster local security, increase visible police patrols, expand specialist deployments, and further invest in counter-terrorism capabilities, with the aim that British Jews not only are safe but also feel secure.
Regarding enforcement and deterrence, the report detailed that antisemitic abuse and violence are treated as criminal acts, with perpetrators held accountable through the courts. The government is also strengthening powers to prevent extremist actors from spreading hatred, which includes restricting entry to the UK, tackling harmful online content, and addressing malign foreign state activity. Public institutions, including universities and publicly funded organisations, are expected to act decisively and transparently to confront antisemitism.
For prevention, the UK is focusing on the drivers of antisemitism across society through targeted work in schools, universities, and public institutions. This is backed by dedicated funding for education and awareness, with Holocaust education remaining central to ensuring future generations understand the consequences of hatred. This is integrated into a broader national cohesion and counter-extremism approach, acknowledging that antisemitism must be tackled alongside other forms of extremist ideology.
Internationally, the UK was the first country to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and supports the Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism. Earlier this year, the Foreign Secretary announced the appointment of Jon Pearce MP as the UK Special Envoy for Post-Holocaust Issues, further demonstrating the UK's dedication to Holocaust remembrance, education, research, and the protection of the Jewish community both domestically and abroad.
Source: UK Government statement to the OSCE Human Dimension Committee