Antisemitism on University Campuses

Lord Palmer of Childs Hill Excerpts

Monday 16th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Palmer of Childs Hill (LD)]

My Lords—

[Captain of the King’s Bodyguard of the Yeomen of the Guard and Deputy Chief Whip (Baroness Wheeler) (Lab)]

We will hear from the Lib Dems. Thank you.

[Lord Palmer of Childs Hill (LD)]

I had not intended to speak, but when I listen to the Minister linking over and again the problems in the Middle East with antisemitism, I am disappointed. They are two separate things. There is an incredible rise in antisemitism where Jews cannot go around in the street wearing a head covering or a Star of David—a Magen David. That is the problem. The Minister talks about confusion because of events in the Middle East, but it is not the same thing. Zionism can mean different things to different people. The Zionism I believe in is that there should be a homeland for the Jews. After the events of October 2023, there has to be a homeland for the Jews. That is my Zionism. It has nothing to do with treatment of Palestinians, because Palestinians have rights as well. The Minister constantly muddles up the two in his reply. Antisemitism in this country needs to be handled and I want to know what the Government are going to do about it.

[Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab)]

Can I be very clear? I hope noble Lords were listening to what I said. I was not conflating the two. There has to be a clear separation. Let us not confuse the two. I have been a strong supporter of the State of Israel for many years and I was an active supporter of Poale Zion, so my views are clear. We are more effective in addressing antisemitism by calling it out for what the noble Baroness, Lady Deech, said it was. It has been around for 2,000 years and has nothing to do with the situation in the Middle East, but people are inciting hatred by using the Middle East. That is what I was trying to convey. I hope the noble Lord will understand that my position is very clear.