We express our deep concern over recent moves within the UK National Health Service (NHS) to prohibit symbols and badges associated with Palestine under claims relating to antisemitism or political neutrality. We categorically reject any attempt to associate the symbols of the State of Palestine officially recognised by the United Kingdom with any form of hatred, racism, or discrimination.
During the war in Ukraine, British institutions, including the healthcare sector, demonstrated widespread humanitarian solidarity, with Ukrainian flags and symbols being displayed as a legitimate expression of compassion for victims and support for universal human values. It is therefore unacceptable to apply double standards whereby the Palestinian flag is criminalised or portrayed as a symbol of fear, division, or hostility.
Displaying the Palestinian flag or wearing a badge in solidarity with Palestine does not represent a partisan political position, nor does it carry any implication of hatred or antisemitism. Rather, it reflects the most basic humanitarian and moral duty towards the thousands of civilians, healthcare workers, and first responders who have been killed or targeted in Gaza while carrying out their professional and humanitarian responsibilities.
Solidarity with healthcare professionals whose hospitals have been destroyed and whose doctors, nurses, and medical staff have been killed should not be treated as misconduct or a professional offence. On the contrary, it is an expression of the very humanitarian principles that British healthcare institutions should uphold and protect, not punish. Any attempt to demonise such solidarity or equate it with hate speech represents a serious infringement on freedom of expression and risks creating a discriminatory environment that targets healthcare workers who seek to peacefully and legitimately express their humanitarian conscience.
Palestinian Forum in Britain (PFB)
Adnan Hmidan
PFB Chairman
06/06/2026
