Analysis
As British Jews, we must be prepared for unpredictable politics
Phil Rosenberg on how the Board of Deputies is responding to the ever-changing political environment
July 10, 2025 10:02
2 min read
Phil Rosenberg on how the Board of Deputies is responding to the ever-changing political environment
July 10, 2025 10:02This is a moment of unprecedented change in our political landscape. As in many other democracies our party system is changing before our eyes – becoming more fractious and fragmented.
Political instability inevitably creates some uncertainty for our community. We have enjoyed very strong relations with governments led by the two main parties. With political fragmentation on the right and left, we now see many more parties playing a growing role in our electoral politics, and with the potential to hold office at the local and national level.
For the Board of Deputies our response to these changes is clear. We must keep a focus on our agenda and priorities and build strong relationships across the political spectrum to advance our community’s interests and values.
Our five priorities remain: to fight antisemitism; stand up for peace and security in Israel and the Middle East; defend our religious freedoms; build a more united, inclusive and outward-looking community; and celebrate our faith, heritage and culture as British Jews.
Some of the community’s views of the new government were inevitably jaundiced early on by rapid changes in relation to Israel, including around the International Criminal Court, Unrwa, and arms. We challenged these at the time and continue to press for the best possible bilateral relations between the UK and Israel. We want to see the UK working with Israel to bring about release of the hostages; an end to threats posed by Iran, Hamas and the axis of terror; aid flowing into Gaza; and lasting peace and security for Israelis, Palestinians and the wider Middle East.
At the same time, engagement with the current government over its first year in office has produced many positive outcomes on the domestic front. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy’s firm response to the disgrace at Glastonbury reflects the sensitivity of the government to our community’s concerns regarding antisemitism. This follows other important achievements including the proscription of Palestine Action; changes to legislation to strengthen protection for synagogues and other faith buildings in the face of protests; significant commitments by Health Secretary Wes Streeting to address issues faced by Jews in the health service; and the government’s endorsement for the Board of Deputies Employer’s Guide to Judaism and our work to support Jews facing discrimination in the workplace.
Next week will bring the publication of the report of the Board of Deputies Commission on Antisemitism. The commission, chaired by Lord Mann and Dame Penny Mordaunt, will sharpen the agenda for government on antisemitism with practical recommendations to tackle discrimination facing Jews in parts of our civil society.
Further down the line we will be setting out the priorities of British Jews in manifestos for local authority and devolved assembly elections in 2026.
Just as the electoral preferences of the nation as a whole are diversifying, so are those within our own community. The Board will make sure that all the relevant political parties hear the voices of British Jews and understand what they need to do to win the trust and support of Jewish voters.
We are also planning for the long term. The next general election is still four years away, but it is set to be more unpredictable and complex than any in recent memory. We will be working to guarantee our community is well positioned for any result, and ensure the flourishing of British Jewish life for many generations to come.
Phil Rosenberg is President of the Board of Deputies
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