Antisemitism in Political Parties

“Antisemitism is the organisation of politics against the Jews” — Ruth Wisse

Campaign Against Antisemitism’s Political and Government Investigations Unit investigates and documents the antisemitism of those holding office within British political parties and monitors the parties’ responses. Antisemitism can only flourish in society when it is inflamed or tolerated by political and institutional leaders: our political parties must therefore respond rapidly, firmly and transparently in investigating any allegations of antisemitism.

We judge antisemitism using the International Definition of Antisemitism adopted by nations and organisations around the world, including the United Kingdom and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee made recommendations which endorsed our Manifesto for Fighting Antisemitism in Political Parties by proposing that the definition be formally adopted by the British Government and all political parties. The Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats and the Scottish National Party have now adopted the definition.

Our research into antisemitism in political parties is ongoing and conducted according to our objective methodology. Our research records antisemitic discourse and discourse that enables antisemitism, by officials and candidates in political parties. Our research is conducted through ongoing monitoring and periodic proactive sweeps to identify incidents from 2013 to the present day. Our rating of each entry is a measure of how we assess a political party’s response according to our Manifesto for Fighting Antisemitism in Political Parties. Campaign Against Antisemitism has no political affiliations or bias, and monitors all political parties.