All NHS staff in England will be required to adopt the government’s new definition of anti-Muslim hostility, the health secretary has revealed. 

In a written statement primarily addressing the government’s acceptance of recommendations on how to address antisemitism in the NHS, James Murray added about its new definition of Islamophobia – which is opposed by the Tories, among others.

Murray said: “Today I am also asking NHS England to adopt the UK government definition of anti-Muslim hostility and set clear expectations that every trust, integrated care board and arm’s length body does the same, as part of our wider efforts to tackle all forms of racism and religious hatred in the NHS. 

“Use of this definition will support more consistent identification, reporting and response to anti-Muslim hostility across health and care sectors.”

Earlier today, we reported that the health secretary has said it will accept all the recommendations on tackling antisemitism put forward by Lord Mann, who has carried out an independent review. 

This includes measures such as banning NHS staff from wearing political badges or other opinionated items such as badges showing support for football teams.

Murray said: “Symbols of political views should not be brought to work because it should be a safe space in the NHS.”