‘Antisemitism having rotting effect on British society,’ Pickles warns
The Conservative peer spoke during a question on online hate in the Lords
Conservative peer Lord Pickles has warned that antisemitism is “alive and kicking online,” urging the government to propose concrete solutions to a problem that “is having a rotting effect upon British society.”
Earlier, during a discussion on online hate speech, Labour peer Baroness Berger urged the government to investigate the X platform for allegedly failing to “remove five accounts which are breaking its terms of service by repeatedly posting anti-Jewish and Holocaust denial.”
Responding to these concerns, Tech Minister Baroness Lloyd told peers: “The government is clear that hatred or division, whether online or offline, will not be tolerated.”
“We have both criminal offences and regulatory measures in place to prevent and punish this type of behaviour.”
While commending the minister’s understanding of these issues, Lord Pickles responded: “The noble lady said there was no place online for antisemitism.
“But I am afraid to say antisemitism is indeed alive and kicking online. Conspiracy theories, Holocaust denial, and extreme Jew-hatred are having a rotting effect upon British society, posing a serious threat to public safety, social cohesion, and democratic trust.
“We’ve heard the noble lady’s excellent critique of what’s happening, but what we need are solutions that address the underlying problem, not just the symptoms of this dreadful disease.”
Baroness Berger further questioned: “Last month, X gave assurances to Ofcom—assurances that were accepted—stating it was taking steps to address illegal hate and harm on its platform.
“In light of the recent violence in Belfast, and the alleged role of X and its owner in inciting it, will the government encourage Ofcom to revisit its judgment?”
Baroness Lloyd earlier said: “I think we share a commitment to tackling and stamping out antisemitism, and it obviously manifests in all parts of society.
“We need to act across all parts of society, including the online world.” She also noted that last month, Business Secretary Peter Kyle met with communal leaders, Ofcom, and major platform executives to discuss the fight against antisemitism online.
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