Decision details

Adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of Antisemitism

Decision Maker: Executive, Executive Member for Council Strategy and Community Cohesion

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism for onward recommendation to Council that it is formally adopted.

Decision:

That the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition on antisemitism be recommended to Council for adoption.

Reasons for the decision:

Central Government had asked local authorities to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism. In December 2016 the Government adopted the IHRA definition. The then Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, wrote to all council Leaders in January 2017 requesting that the definition be adopted at a local authority level.  More recently the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Amanda Milling MP, Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, have also separately written to all councils urging them to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism.  The council, through its work on the equality, diversity, inclusion and cohesion agenda is working to eradicate all forms of discrimination. Adopting the IHRA definition on antisemitism is one important element in a much wider programme of work to do this.

 

Circa 260 (75%) of local authorities in England had adopted the definition.

Alternative options considered:

There were no other similarly agreed definitions to confront and challenge all forms of racism and discrimination that existed within society that the Council could consider adopting.

 

The council could resolve to restate its condemnation of discrimination and racism in all its manifestations, in line with its ‘All of Us’ Equality Strategy but not adopt a definition specific to any one community or group.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

No.

Reason Key: Affects more than 1 ward;

Wards Affected: (All Wards);

Financial Impact: None

Declarations: None.

Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No.

Making Representations: In writing to the Assistant Director: Chief Executive's Office

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Consultation conducted by meetings.

Consultees

Executive Member for Council Strategy and Community Cohesion
Member's Equality Working Group
Officer's Equality Group
Corporate Management Team

Contact: Abby Thomas, Assistant Director: Chief Executive's Office Email: abby.thomas@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 353307.

Report author: Abby Thomas

Publication date: 01/06/2021

Date of decision: 01/06/2021

Decided at meeting: 01/06/2021 - Executive

Effective from: 09/06/2021

Accompanying Documents:

 

Contact Information

Democratic services

Email: committee@bracknell-forest.gov.uk