British Medical Association urges NHS to delay IHRA rollout until legal review

The BMA has asked NHS England to suspend the IHRA antisemitism definition rollout, highlighting legal risks and worries about staff free expression throughout the NHS.

A view of ambulances parked along a street, as ambulance workers strike, amid a dispute with the government over pay, near the NHS London Ambulance Service, in London, Britain December 21, 2022.

(photo credit: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS)

ByMATHILDA HELLER

JULY 29, 2026 15:36

Updated: JULY 29, 2026 17:22

The British Medical Association (BMA) is requesting that NHS England immediately suspend the rollout of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism in NHS organizations until legal advice is secured.

This request follows a motion approved at the BMA Annual Representative Meeting in June 2026, which called for an examination of the definition's use, noting it could limit free speech among healthcare staff.

In correspondence sent to NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey, the BMA noted there is no legal obligation for NHS bodies to adopt the IHRA definition. Still, trusts have been strongly encouraged to put it in place and provide updates to NHS England by the end of July 2026.

The letter states the rollout is advancing without sufficient review of its practical and legal effects on employers and staff, and without clear instructions on its application. The BMA therefore seeks a pause until proper safeguards, consultation, and legal guidance are established.

The letter references a legal opinion from four senior lawyers, commissioned and shared with trust chief executives by law firm Leigh Day, outlining the risks to NHS England and individual employers if the definition is implemented without adequate protections.

Health Workers 4 Palestine call for removal of IHRA antisemitism definition

The Leigh Day advisory opinion was requested by Health Workers 4 Palestine.

The Leigh Day lawyers noted that antisemitism is already covered under the Equality Act 2010, and that the IHRA definition raises challenging issues for NHS organizations at a time when many healthcare workers are voicing concerns about Israel's actions in Gaza.

BMA deputy chair of Council Dr. Emma Runswick referenced this opinion, stating that NHS staff must be able to work in settings free from harassment and participate in legitimate political and ethical discussions.

We urge any hospital trust that has already adopted the definition to examine its safeguards and pause implementation if they prove insufficient.

The BMA seeks urgent discussions with NHS England on these issues and requests confirmation that the implementation schedule will be paused.

Antisemitism reported in the NHS

This development follows the recent publication of a review on antisemitism in the NHS by UK government advisor Lord John Mann.

During the review, Mann learned that Jewish individuals in the NHS face routine ostracism, with Jewish staff being the only religious group in the latest NHS Staff Survey showing rising discrimination from colleagues, leading some to consider leaving the service.

He also found that antisemitism affects patients, as some Jewish patients reported avoiding treatment or delaying important care.

It is well-evidenced that racism is persistent in the NHS, Mann said, adding that the case for taking action to combat antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS is clear.