Oliver Dowden, Member or Parliament for Hertsmere, today raised in Parliament with the Prime Minister the importance of combating political environments where anti-semitism is tolerated following the recent Home Affairs Select Committee report into the issue.

In the Chamber of the House of Commons, Mr Dowden said:

‘Many constituents have contacted me to express concern about anti-semitism. I am sure all members of this House would agree that we should show zero tolerance. But does the Prime Minister agree that all political parties are also under a duty to ensure that they do not create an environment in which anti-semitism is seen to be tolerated.’

After Prime Minister’s Questions today, Mr Dowden added:

‘Many constituents have raised the issue of anti-semitism with me. It is vital that we have zero tolerance for anti-semitism. We also need to stamp out any environment in which it is tolerated. I was very pleased to hear that the Prime Minister fully shares this view.’

Since he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hertsmere in 2015, Mr Dowden has sought to vigorously oppose any form of anti-Semitism. In June, following revelations of anti-semitism within the Labour Party, he wrote to the Leader of the Opposition, the Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, to express his concern and urge him to tackle this problem. Please see the link below to read a copy of his letter:

https://www.facebook.com/oliverdowdenhertsmere/posts/1092623937471711

Equally, last year Mr Dowden successfully lobbied the Metropolitan Police in relation to a proposed anti-Semitic rally due to be held in Golders Green, details of which can be found below:

‘Oliver Condemns Proposed Golders Green Anti-Semitic Rally’ http://www.oliverdowden.com/news/oliver-condemns-proposed-golders-green-anti-semitic-rally

Oliver Dowden is joint-Chair of the APPG on British Jews as well as being an officer of the Conservative Friends of Israel.