The British Medical Association (BMA) is calling on NHS England to immediately pause the implementation of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism across NHS organisations, warning that the current process risks both staff rights and trusts' legal exposure.

The call follows a policy passed at the BMA's Annual Representative Meeting in June 2026, reflecting widespread concern among doctors about how the definition is being rolled out.  

In a letter to Sir Jim Mackey, the Chief Executive of NHS England the BMA points out that there is no legal requirement on NHS organisations to adopt the IHRA definition, yet trusts have been strongly encouraged to implement it and report back to NHS England by the end of July.

In the letter, the BMA argues the rollout is going ahead without proper assessment of its practical and legal implications for employers and staff, and without clear guidance on how it should be applied and therefore calls for a pause to the roll out, pending proper safeguards being put in place, consultation and legal clarity.

The letter also points to a legal opinion from four senior lawyers, commissioned and circulated to trust chief executives by law firm Leigh Day, which sets out the risks facing NHS England and individual employers if the definition is adopted without adequate safeguards.

The BMA’s deputy chair of Council Dr Emma Runswick said:

“Tackling antisemitism and protecting free, lawful expression are not competing objectives — they are both essential to a workplace that is safe, inclusive and legally sound. NHS England must pause this process until the right safeguards are in place.

“We condemn antisemitism and all forms of racism and discrimination; NHS staff must be able to work in environments free from harassment and be able to engage in legitimate political and ethical debate.

"We urge any hospital trust that has already adopted the definition to review its safeguards and pause if these are found lacking.”

The BMA wants to discuss its concerns with NHS England urgently and in in the letter, asks NHS England to confirm that the implementation timetable will be paused.

Ends

Notes to editors

The BMA's five asks of NHS England:

• Pause the implementation timetable and suspend the end-of-July reporting deadline while the issues are reviewed.
• Carry out — and require trusts to carry out — full legal and equality impact assessments before proceeding.
• Consult meaningfully with trade unions, professional bodies and staff representatives on any policy governing speech or expression.
• Publish clear national guidance on consistent application of the definition, addressing its interaction with human rights, equality and employment law.
• Guarantee that NHS staff won't face disciplinary action or professional detriment for expressing lawful political views or ethical concerns in a manner consistent with professional standards.

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.