By Rachel Charman
Southend West Conservative MP David Amess has questioned a minister over the government’s handling of anti-Semitism in higher education.
In a written question, Mr Amess asked the Minister of State for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills “what steps he has taken and plans to take to deal with anti-Semitism on university campuses and in student unions,” and “what recent discussions he has had on this issue.”
Mr Amess received a written response from David Lammy, Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property at the department.
Mr Lammy replied: “This Department has set up a group on anti-Semitism and higher education to facilitate discussions between the Jewish community and higher education stakeholders, which I chair.
“This group covers all issues relating to anti-Semitism on campus and plays an important role in helping to tackle anti-Semitism in higher education.
“The two meetings that have taken place have resulted in practical actions to be taken forward by higher education stakeholders and Jewish community representatives working collaboratively.
“I also attended the recent Jewish student Lobby of Parliament in February 2010 where I heard from students about their experiences at university and made clear once again the Government’s strong opposition to anti-Semitism and any form of racism in higher education.
“I was appalled at the rise in total anti-Semitic incident figures shown in the recent Community Security Trust annual report, in particular the very disturbing 38 incidents against one academic.
“However, the overall trend in HE showed a 13% decrease from 2008.”
