Responding to Lord Mann’s review into antisemitism and other forms of racism in the NHS, BMA deputy chair of council Dr Emma Runswick said:  

“The BMA agrees on the need to combat abhorrent antisemitism and racism that patients and doctors face in the NHS. The NHS must be inclusive and patients should not fear disclosing their religious identity. We support the review’s recommendations for improved training, monitoring, and shared principles.  

“However, some recommendations in this review are deeply concerning. Independent medical tribunals already have powers to suspend doctors and have done so on several occasions based on racist incidents. The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) already has the power to appeal tribunal decisions which it feels do not go far enough to protect the public. We therefore strongly oppose the proposal that the GMC should retain its duplicate power of appeal and gain additional appeal rights. This is unnecessary and will reinforce fear and distrust of the regulator by the profession.

“We are also concerned by the review’s assertion that there should be a restriction on NHS staff displaying political identifiers while at work. Many symbols that could be deemed ‘political’, such as pride symbols, trade union or professional symbols, the Welsh flag, Ukraine and other international flags, demonstrate to patients and colleagues that we are safe, have shared languages, shared values, or are prepared to celebrate our diverse staff and patient populations. A blanket ban on all symbols that could be construed to express a belief would go too far.

"Then there is the question of who gets to decide what counts as political. The review recommends both updated NHS national guidance on uniform and that employers develop local policies about what is acceptable, but gives no recommendation on what happens if these don’t align. We are concerned that employers will take differing views about what is acceptable, leaving doctors and other healthcare staff without the clarity they need. Any new guidance must be consistent across the country, be aligned to NHS national guidance, and must clearly distinguish legitimate expression from misconduct.  

“A nationally consistent and clear approach is needed to ensure patients know what to expect when accessing the NHS and staff know what is expected of them. We would welcome the opportunity to engage with the NHS on developing such an approach as they update their guidelines following this review.”  

Notes to editors

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.