IHRA definition used in UK schools antisemitism review, which could see Palestine badges banned

Teachers in British schools could be banned from wearing pro-Palestine badges after a government-commissioned review into antisemitism in schools. The report by Sir David Bell, which is expected to be published shortly, will reportedly advise schools to "consider the appropriateness" of political expressions or identifiers and to adopt the contentious International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The review is expected to reveal that three in five Jewish pupils have experienced antisemitism in school. It has been widely reported that teachers could be told not to wear pro-Palestine badges, including the watermelon symbol, although the report is not set to advise a blanket ban on badges. The review's terms of reference, seen by Middle East Eye, say it "will be using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism", which has been widely criticised for allegedly being used to target criticism of Israel. Read more: IHRA definition used in UK schools antisemitism review, which could see Palestine badges banned A Palestinian flag flutters in the breeze beside the Palace of Westminster during National March in support of Palestine, organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, in central London on 10 October 2026 (AFP)