New guidance offers advice to MPs attending demonstrations like this one in London last year. Photo: Henry Nicholls/AFP
Politicians Attending pro-Palestinian demonstrations risks spreading conspiracy theories unless they shout anti-Semitic slogans at marches, according to government-backed guidance for MPs.
Guide drawn up at the initiative of the Leader of the House communities Penny Mordaunt, also warns MPs and parliamentary candidates that their «own biases and political views» could make them «susceptible» to being «drawn» into conspiracy theories.
Ms Mordaunt said the spread conspiracy theories are “deeply troubling” and that MPs need tools to combat them.
In December, The Telegraph reported that MPs were to be given resources to help uncover the plot. theories amid fears they could become «radicalized» by misinformation on social media.
The Antisemitic Policy Foundation has now released a booklet with contributions from a number of other organisations, including Full Fact and Tell Mama, a group which fights anti-Muslim hatred, and the textbook will be presented in parliament this week.
The guide, seen by The Telegraph, says that “conspiracy theories do not exist in isolation, but share and borrow core components”, many of which “are rooted in anti-Jewish racism.”
>“The general idea is that «Shared by many conspiracy theories, about a secret cabal that seeks world domination by controlling world events, promoting conflict and financial instability, may have its roots in centuries of anti-Semitism,» the report says.
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The booklet contains 10 case studies of modern conspiracy theories, including «The Great Replacement» — the belief that there is a plan to replace the white population of Europe with ethnic minority groups — and QAnon, which claims the existence of a pedophile ring run by a global elite that may also be reptiles that change shape.
The section on anti-Semitism states that “anti-Jewish racism can be encouraged by public figures,” including members of parliament, “who may – sometimes unintentionally – reinforce anti-Semitic sentiment by spreading conspiracy theories that are inherently anti-Semitic.”
The manual warns that this is “particularly common when violence breaks out between Israel and Palestinian terrorist organizations.”
“Anti-Israel demonstrations in the UK, attended by MPs, are often accompanied by anti-Semitic language and posters,” the report says. “While legitimate political criticism of Israel is certainly not anti-Semitic, examples of anti-Jewish racism must be addressed.
“When MPs engage in these demonstrations without challenging visible anti-Semitism, or share such content on social media, it legitimizes anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and helps them spread to a wider national audience.»
The guidance advises MPs to «check before sharing» material and to «consider the harm caused by misinformation», warning them: «Do not share information or make public comments lightly.»
It urges politicians to «realize that your own biases and political views may make you inclined to believe in conspiracy theories.»
The rise of conspiracy theories is «deeply troubling»
Ms Mordaunt said: “The spread of conspiracy theories across the UK is deeply worrying. These are deliberate campaigns to spread misinformation and fear. If they go unpunished, we risk being deceived and damaging their well-being.
“It is critical that we provide the public and their representatives with the tools they need to combat this phenomenon.”
Danny Stone, executive director of the Antisemitic Policy Foundation, said: “You don't have to fall deep down a conspiracy theory rabbit hole before discovering antisemitic themes, images or ideas.”
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“We were pleased to work with you on this guide.” the head of the House of Representatives, Penny Mordaunt, whose initiative it was, and with many other organizations.
“It is very important that MPs and MP candidates can detect and, of course, avoid the spread and reinforcement of conspiracy myths. We hope this guide will help them do that.»
Last year, Andrew Bridgen, MP for North West Leicestershire, was expelled from the Conservative Party for calling the Covid vaccine rollout «the biggest crime.» against humanity since the Holocaust.»
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