Following a review by lord John Mann, the NHS is set to ban political badges. This provoked a backlash from people who wish to show support for causes like the anti-genocide movement. And Labour MP Clive Lewis is among those speaking out.

Solidarity

Writing on the “notorious pro-Israel agitator John Mann” in June, Ed Sykes wrote for the Canary:

All forms of racism are vile. But Mann and other pro-Israel politicians have long prioritised and weaponised antisemitism allegations to try and smear or silence critics of Israel. The new review seems to be a continuation of that.

As we’ve reported previously, Mann is not Jewish himself. He’s just a person who has received tens of thousands of pounds from pro-Israel lobbyists and lobby groups over the years. He has also made many visits to Israel – one of which the Israeli government paid for itself.

When people learn how Israel treats the Palestinians, they tend to develop a favourable opinion towards the latter group. This is why Israel and its defenders work to constantly repress any solidarity with the Palestinian campaign. Ultimately, though, these measures tend overstep the mark. And people don’t like to be told what causes they can or cannot support – especially not by a belligerent foreign power.

Lewis’ post reads:

The Mann Review’s recommendations could see NHS staff banned from wearing political badges while at work, including symbols expressing solidarity with Palestine.

In practice, this could result in healthcare workers being disciplined for peacefully expressing their views on a major humanitarian crisis.

When Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory have accused the Israeli state of genocide, such restrictions raise serious questions about freedom of expression.

That is why I have written to the Health Secretary, calling for implementation to be halted until Parliament has had the opportunity to consider the regulations in full.

Clive Lewis — “Democratic scrutiny”

Lewis’s full letter to health secretary Yvette Cooper reads:

RE: Proposed Restrictions on NHS Staff Displaying Expressions of Solidarity with Palestine

I am writing to raise my constituents’ concerns following the Government’s decision to accept the recommendations of Lord John Mann’s independent review into antisemitism in the NHS.

I am particularly concerned by the recommendation that NHS staff should not wear political badges or symbols while working, including those expressing support for Palestine. My constituents fear that these proposals could result in NHS staff facing disciplinary action for displaying symbols that reflect concern for the suffering of the Palestinian people.

At a time when there is widespread public concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, such restrictions raise serious questions about freedom of expression.

Many people view these expressions not as political identifiers, but as demonstrations of concern for human rights, international law and the protection of civilian life. This is reinforced by the ongoing proceeding before the International Court of Justice concerning allegations of genocide in Gaza, as well as extensive documentation by United Nations bodies and human rights organisations of alleged human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law by the Israeli Government and military.

In that context, there is understandable concern that these proposals risk conflating legitimate expressions of solidarity and concern for human rights with political identifiers warranting disciplinary sanction.

Restrictions on freedom of expression of this nature should not be introduced without proper democratic scrutiny.

Can you confirm whether the Government will halt the publication and implementation of these regulations until Parliament has had the opportunity to scrutinise them fully?

I look forward to receiving your response.

Human rights

Much like with the proscription of Palestine Action, the UK government seems to think it can change people’s opinions by repressing their rights. It hasn’t worked so far, and we don’t think it will work here. If you agree, be sure to sign the below petition:

The government just accepted Lord Mann’s review. Palestine badges are now being banned across the NHS. The same trusts that lit up their buildings in blue and yellow for Ukraine. Sign the petition: https://t.co/535xxBPyto

— Tony Booth 44 (@ed_nonsense) August 12, 2026

Solidarity with all those who continue to speak out.

Featured image via Andres Pantoja / Jeff Overs / Tribune

By Willem Moore

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