Agenda item

In accordance with Paragraphs 4.16 and 4.17 of the Community Committee Procedure Rules, at the discretion of the Chair a period of up to 10 minutes may be allocated at each ordinary meeting for members of the public to make representations or to ask questions on matters within the terms of reference of the Area Committee.  This period of time may be extended at the discretion of the Chair. No member of the public shall speak for more than three minutes in the Open Forum, except by permission of the Chair.

In accordance with the Community Committee Procedure Rules, the Chair allowed a period of up to 10 minutes for members of the public to make representations or ask questions within the terms of reference of the Community Committee. This period was extended at the discretion of the Chair.

The following submission was made as part of the Open Forum:

Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism

Representatives of the Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism organisation addressed the Community Committee in relation to antisemitism in Leeds, highlighting that it was pertinent to address this Committee given that approximately 90% of the Jewish population within Leeds resided in the Outer North East area, and timely, given the anniversary of the 7^th October attacks. It was noted that this followed the organisation’s deputation to Full Council on 11^th September 2024

Key points raised by representatives of the Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism organisation included:

• It was noted that whilst it was felt that the Jewish community worked closely with West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and noting the proactive approach taken to keep the community safe, concerns were raised that the Jewish community felt vulnerable and unsupported, and it was felt that WYP were not acting upon many instances of antisemitism in Leeds. The regular marches organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) were highlighted as a specific concern, with a call being made to ban those marches. The implications arising from the perceived inaction was highlighted, with a further call being made for a more robust approach to be taken against antisemitism; and
• Concerns were raised with regard to the Green Party’s approach in relation to such matters, both locally and nationally, with a call to the Party to note and engage with relevant parties on the concerns which have been raised in relation to antisemitism and the safety of the Jewish community.

Chief Inspector Jonathan McNiff WYP responded to the concerns raised, outlining that he understood the perception of inaction to address antisemitic incidents and noted that the legislation regarding protests was complex. It was confirmed that WYP did not tolerate any hate offences and that any unlawful action witnessed or reported was recorded and dealt with accordingly, with it being acknowledged that in some cases, incidents were dealt with subsequently, using available evidence, and that approach should not be perceived as inaction against, or tolerance of illegal activity including hate crime offences. It was noted that there was a team of officers dedicated to taking action in this area.

Paul Money, the Chief Officer for Safer Stronger Communities thanked the representatives from Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism for their contributions. In further response to the concerns raised, the Chief Officer highlighted the provisions within the law concerning ECHR article 10 and 11 freedom of expression and assembly as well as the Public Order Act and the right to protest. When protests led to unlawful incidents committed by individuals involved in the protest then they would be accountable. However often there are tactical logistical issues with intervening and action was sometimes more appropriate after a protest had concluded unless there was an immediate risk to life or serious risk to property and when more evidence was available, for example the use of CCTV. An example was provided of the approach taken against the criminality during the civil unrest within Harehills over the summer. It was highlighted that the intention would be that if an individual was committing a hate crime or involved in a hate incident there should always be consequences for that action, with the commitment to keep all communities safe being noted. The importance of continuing to discuss such concerns and engage with all relevant parties was highlighted, given the significant increase in antisemitism being experienced. Recorded Police data was highlighted, but it was acknowledged that this did not capture the full picture. Safer Stronger Communities were committed to supporting the Jewish community and confirmed that action would be taken against perpetrators when there was the legal basis to do so. The importance of narrowing the gap between reported incidents and actual incidents was highlighted. It was noted that significant investment had been made in resources for hate crime co-ordination work, including specialist officers and greater commitment to partnership work. Reassurance was provided that partnership working would continue with the Jewish community in this area, with it being highlighted that such partnership working would continue with the Muslim community, who were experiencing increases in cases of anti-Muslim prejudice. Outside of the meeting, Safer Stronger Communities agreed to meet and work with Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism to identify any areas where further action would be beneficial.

At the discretion of the Chair, Members asked questions to the Open Forum attendees, which covered the following points:

• Responding to a specific enquiry, Chief Inspector Jonathan McNiff provided details of the procedures in place to respond to reported incidents of antisemitic posts on social media, including the process of reporting, investigation and prosecution in respect of any form of hate crime against any community.
• Further to this, a Member highlighted the importance of ensuring the swift and thorough implementation of the law when dealing with antisemitism online in order to improve public confidence in processes, which it was highlighted would be consistent with the approach taken against the criminality arising from the recent Far Right riots.
• Elected Members engaging with the Board of Deputies of British Jews was supported as a method for education and understanding the lives of Jewish people and the key issues they faced.
• The distinction between the Jerusalem definition and the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism were discussed. 

The Chair thanked all attendees for their contributions to the Open Forum and reiterated to the representatives of the Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism organisation the offers made to them during the Open Forum discussion with regard to continued partnership working in this area.

(Councillor D Cohen left the meeting at the end of this item to attend a community commemoration event)