NHS Review Recommends Ban on All Political Badges for Staff Amid Antisemitism Concerns and Discrimination Claims

An independent review of antisemitism and racism in the NHS recommended that staff be banned from wearing political badges on their uniforms. The measure would prohibit symbols expressing support for Palestine or Israel. The review documented cases in which Jewish patients and staff felt compelled to hide their religious identity.

It also recorded routine ostracism of Jewish staff and instances where Jewish patients avoided seeking NHS care because of fears of antisemitism. Lord Mann, who conducted the review, said the NHS should not be a place where staff bring in their views.

He stated that an "I support Palestine" badge or an "I support Israel" badge is a problem for some people and that wearing such symbols could be dangerous in terms of health outcomes.

Lord Mann distinguished political symbols from religious ones, saying he is not suggesting an issue with items such as a crucifix or Star of David. He will also recommend that NHS staff should not wear uniform at certain protests. The review was commissioned after the fatal attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester in October 2025.

Lord Mann was tasked last year by the government with examining ways to protect patients from racism following reports of antisemitism by NHS doctors. Health Secretary James Murray said the report has made a series of robust and practical recommendations which the government has accepted.

The Department of Health and Social Care stated it is supporting the recommendations in full subject to consultation and further engagement with key stakeholders.

Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said NHS England accepts all of the recommendations and will act swiftly to implement them. He described the NHS at its best as a place of compassion, care and unity, not conflict. The recommendation on political badges is expected to be adopted by NHS England subject to a consultation.

NHS England's uniform policy was last updated in 2020. A Jewish A&E doctor in England who did not want to be named said she had felt uncomfortable seeing colleagues wearing pro-Palestinian badges. She said the public should have trust in healthcare professionals and that expressing political opinions can undermine that trust.

A spokesperson for the Jewish Medical Association said antisemitism must be taken seriously and that they would support the banning of political symbols including flags and symbols of any country. Prof Andrew Eder, chair of trustees of the UK's Jewish Dental Society, said antisemitic incidents in dentistry have spiked since the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Karen Newman, vice president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, said public services must set the standard for confronting anti-Jewish hatred.

Two doctors and a nurse have launched legal action against Barts Health NHS Trust arguing that its dress code policy unlawfully discriminates against them because of their pro-Palestinian beliefs.