Streeting: Chilling Jewish patients fear discrimination and antisemitism in NHS
Health Secretary says: 'Yes, I'm standing again in Ilford North, I'm going nowhere'
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described as “chilling” the fact that some members of the Jewish community fear they may be “treated unfairly or discriminated against” in the National Health Service.
Appearing on LBC’s Nick Ferrari programme, Streeting was asked about the General Medical Council’s (GMC) decision to issue only a formal warning to a paediatric trainee who posted antisemitic tweets—including references to “Jew banker goblins” and “gas the Jews”—but allowed him to keep his job.
Streeting said he had read media reports on Martyn White, the NHS worker at the centre of the investigation. “My immediate gut reaction was unrepeatable on the radio at this time of the morning,” he admitted.
Addressing the broader issue of rising antisemitism, Streeting acknowledged that many Jewish people hold a negative view of the NHS. “In my own constituency, which is very diverse and includes a significant Jewish community, people are afraid,” he said. “People in the Jewish community fear they’re going to be treated unfairly or discriminated against because they are Jewish in our National Health Service. I think that’s chilling.”
Streeting also commented specifically on the GMC case: “My understanding, having asked the GMC about this, is that those social media posts were in response to other posts that have since been deleted. I’m relying on the findings of the investigation—I have not spoken to the doctor or seen the original material. I believe the defence was that he was mocking other inappropriate posts online.”
He continued: “This has been such a big story because we’ve seen undeniable, outrageous examples of vile antisemitism by people who clearly identify as NHS doctors. Those people have forgotten not only basic humanity, but also their professional responsibility to patients. No one entering the NHS should feel afraid or question whether they will be treated fairly because of their race or religion.”
During the programme, Streeting also confirmed he intends to stand again in Ilford North at the next election, despite a narrow victory last time.
“Yes, I’m standing again in Ilford North—I’m not going anywhere,” he said, noting an “orchestrated campaign” to unseat him during the last election.
“Gaza was a big issue,” Streeting explained, referencing criticism of Labour’s stance and an organised effort to oust him by the hard-left. He retained his seat by just over 500 votes.
Addressing recent Labour leadership tensions, Streeting said he and Keir Starmer were in the “same boat,” describing the row as a “total distraction.” Joking with Ferrari, he said, “The season finale of The Traitors is over,” and added, “I think the Prime Minister and I are both extremely frustrated because this is a total distraction.”
Asked if he has confidence in Morgan McSweeney, Streeting replied, “Of course I do.”
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