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: