Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has announced that NHS staff will be prohibited from displaying Palestinian flags at work if the Conservative Party wins the General Election. Speaking to The Jewish Chronicle, Atkins stated the ban aims to ensure Jewish people feel safer within the healthcare system. Discussions with NHS England and trust executives have already begun to ensure uniforms remain free of political symbols and flags.
Atkins emphasized that healthcare settings should be environments focused solely on providing care, free from political expressions. This stance aligns with concerns from NHS trust executives and the majority of NHS staff.
The announcement parallels a recent statement by Cabinet Minister Esther McVey suggesting a ban on rainbow lanyards in Whitehall, proposing that civil servants should wear standard design lanyards. McVey argued that civil servants’ personal political views should not influence their professional conduct related to diversity and inclusion.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticized Atkins' focus, urging her to address NHS waiting lists and improve public satisfaction with the healthcare system instead.