'CONTINUED' problems with anti-Semitism and racism will be tackled after a council committed to adopt an international approach to the issue.
Cherwell council has agreed to take a strong position against anti-Semitism this week.
At a full council meeting councillors voted unanimously to formally adopt the world-recognised International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism – which makes it clear that anti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.
The move came after Councillor Barry Wood, leader of Cherwell District Council, presented a motion to the council setting out a commitment to combating anti-Semitism and condemning racism.
Cllr Wood said: “Anti-Semitism continues to be a problem in this country and it is crucial for us to formally adopt the definition ourselves.
“This will set an example of responsible conduct and allow complaints and reports of hate crime to be handled uniformly, objectively and accountably.
"It will be an effective tool to support the aim of tackling anti-Semitism, through coordinated international political action.”
The definition includes a series of guidelines to help demonstrate what constitutes anti-Semitism and to make clear the difference between anti-Semitism and freedom of speech.
Sajid Javid MP had written to all local authority leaders encouraging them to formally adopt the definition and take action to end anti-Semitism in their area.
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