Ministers urged over anti-semitism at universities

Ministers were urged today to cut funds to universities that fail to tackle anti-semitism.

Former foreign office minister Denis MacShane (Rotherham) made the suggestion during Commons question time.

He said: "Will you consider reducing funds to those universities which fail to take action to stop the propagation of Jew-hate and anti-semitism on campus?"

Higher education minister David Lammy acknowledged it is a "very serious issue".

He said: "We must remain vigilant. I don't believe that there is a widespread problem across British universities in relation to this, but I recognise that it is patchy and we must be vigilant and not allow anti-semitism anywhere on campuses in this country."