(CB):...Unthinking
political correctness rooted in ignorance and irrational fear of
giving offence to more vocal communities has led to some groups
claiming special protection. Concern over anti-semitism
rooted in the Holocaust and sometimes in the culture of
this country, is understandable. Unfortunately, however,
“anti-Semitic” is now used by some to smear
those with genuine concerns over Israeli policies towards
Palestinians. Also concerning is the use of the emotive term
“Islamophobia” to curb debate and cultural or political
criticism. No doubt some will see my remarks as
anti-Semitic or Islamophobic. However, the Sikh
daily prayer reminds us to look beyond ourselves or our group to
the well-being of all...
(Lab):...My noble friend
, the noble and right
reverend Lord, , and many other noble
Lords—unsurprisingly in this debate—spoke of the importance of
faith and morality, while the noble and learned Lord, Lord Brown,
spoke of what it is like to experience anti-semitism
as someone who is Jewish. I feel moved to add that hatred
towards Jews does not require a Jewish person to even be in the
room. It is the world’s oldest hatred and, like so many hatreds,
can express itself behind the cloak of free speech. It gives free
speech a bad name; it is hatred, pure and simple. As I am the
former chief executive of the Board of Deputies of British
Jews—the organisation that represented the Jewish community in
this country— I know only too well the importance of calling out
wrongs wherever they come from and whoever peddles them. I know
the value of bringing clarity to guide where there may be
ignorance and to bring transgressors to book where hatred raises
its ugly head.
As we consider today the role of public, private and civil
society in the upholding of freedom of speech, I want to refer to
the working definition of anti-semitism
as laid out by the International Holocaust Remembrance
Alliance, and adopted by Governments, universities, sports clubs,
councils, organisations and many others across the UK and indeed
across the world. It helps us to guide and confirm for us what is
and is not anti-Semitism—something raised by the noble Lord, Lord
Singh. For example, when talking about criticism of Israel, the
definition says that:
“Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of
Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of
Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot
be regarded as antisemitic.”
So, what is anti-Semitic? It is, as the
definition states—I find the examples extremely illuminating—
“Applying double standards by requiring of”
Israel
“a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic
nation … Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to
that of the Nazis … Holding Jews collectively responsible for
actions of the state of Israel.”
I mention this definition as an illustration to assist us. As we
go forward, I hope that we can be bold in offering protection
through clarity and a determination to say what is right and what
is wrong. I know that this House will play its part...
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for
Digital, Culture, Media and Sport ( of Whitley Bay)
(Con):...History is littered with examples of what happens when
we do not air dangerous views in the open and confront them head
on. I agree with the noble Baroness, Lady Merron, the noble and
learned Lord, , and
others in their comments about the evils of anti-semitism
Dangerous views fester in the darkness and grow more
dangerous still...
The :...The noble Lord,
, talked about the way we
label for exclusion. I have talked about anti-semitism
and picked up what the noble Baroness, Lady Merron, said.
My final point comes back to what the noble and right reverend
Lord, , said about the importance of
law. That is why we must bring this debate together with the
legislation because, as he quoted from two books I have also read
by Law Lords, I recognise the centrality of that in expressing in
words what we hope to develop in attitudes...
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