Issue

Antisemitism

7 stories · discussed at 2 council meetings · 7 councils

Councils are focusing on protecting Jewish communities and challenging antisemitism through new roles, dedicated teams, and broader anti-extremism campaigns.

Richmond Council appointed Councillor Maureen Goldthorpe as its Interfaith and Belief Champion in September 2026, a role intended to challenge antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of religious hatred. Also in September 2026, Barnet launched a new Community Protection Team, led by Chief Inspector Mark Cash, specifically focused on protecting Jewish communities from antisemitism, terrorism, and hostile state activity.

Earlier in 2026, Barnet Council resolved in January to keep hostage posters displayed on council property until further engagement with the Jewish community. In March 2026, Haringey Council formally backed the 'Together Alliance' campaign, which aims to counter extremism and divisive rhetoric that scapegoats various communities.

In November 2025, Sutton Council resolved to write to the Home Secretary, seeking support and resources to combat antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-migrant sentiment. Wandsworth Council, in October 2025, endorsed a motion embracing diversity but rejected an amendment that specifically highlighted the rise in antisemitism. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss this topic.

Key facts

  1. Richmond Council appointed Councillor Maureen Goldthorpe as its Interfaith and Belief Champion in September 2026. Source
  2. Barnet launched a new Community Protection Team in September 2026, focused on protecting Jewish communities from antisemitism. Source
  3. Barnet Council resolved in January 2026 to keep hostage posters displayed until further engagement with the Jewish community. Source
  4. Haringey Council formally backed the 'Together Alliance' campaign in March 2026. Source
  5. Sutton Council resolved in November 2025 to write to the Home Secretary regarding support to combat antisemitism and other forms of hatred. Source
About this summary

This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Latest stories

  1. Richmond Council appoints new Interfaith and Belief Champion Councillor Maureen Goldthorpe has been appointed as Richmond Council's new Interfaith and Belief Champion, a role aimed at fostering stronger relationships between diverse faith... Richmond upon Thames 25 September 2026
  2. Barnet's new Community Protection Team targets hate crime Barnet has launched a new Community Protection Team (CPT) aimed at tackling hate crime and protecting vulnerable communities across the borough. The team, which is scaling up... Barnet 20 September 2026
  3. Councillor cleared over 'coconuts' remark, but warned on conduct Councillor Hau-Yu Tam has been cleared of breaching Lewisham Council's Code of Conduct over social media posts, but has been warned her conduct fell below expected standards. Lewisham 21 July 2026
  4. Haringey Council Officially Backs 'Together Alliance' Campaign Against Extremism Haringey Council has formally backed the Together Alliance campaign, a movement aimed at countering extremism and divisive rhetoric. Haringey 20 March 2026
  5. Barnet Council to Keep Hostage Posters Until Further Engagement with Jewish Community Barnet Council has resolved to keep hostage posters and ribbons displayed on council property until further engagement with the Jewish community takes place. The decision was... Barnet 30 January 2026
  6. Sutton Council Urges Home Secretary to Support Community Cohesion Sutton Council has resolved to write to the Home Secretary, urging them to provide support and resources to local authorities to help build community cohesion and oppose racism,... Sutton 5 November 2025
  7. Wandsworth Council Backs Diversity, Rejects Antisemitism Amendment Wandsworth Council has endorsed a motion embracing diversity and defending democracy, while rejecting an amendment that specifically highlighted the rise in antisemitism. The... Wandsworth 28 October 2025