NHS staff who voice extremist views about Gaza could be struck off

NHS staff who voice extremist views on Gaza could be struck off under a government crackdown on anti-Semitism.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has insisted the conflict in the Middle East must not be used as a 'pretext to attack communities here in Britain'. 

He instructed managers that there should be a 'zero tolerance' approach to such 'vile behaviour in our health service'.  

Jewish doctors warned of a rise in anti-Semitic abuse from colleagues after the Hamas terror attacks triggered the latest violence.

Concerns have been raised about a backlash in the workplace, and social media posts celebrating terrorist attacks. 

Mr Streeting told the Sunday Telegraph: 'This government has been clear that we will use the full force of the law against anyone who uses the conflict in the Middle East as a pretext to attack communities here in Britain, and there is a strict zero-tolerance approach to this vile behaviour in our health service.

'No ifs, no buts – I expect regulators to investigate any concerns suggesting patient safety is at risk due to discrimination or misconduct by a healthcare professional.

'Any worker espousing racist or extremist views should know they could end up in front of a disciplinary panel.

'Regulators have powers to set conditions that a healthcare professional must work under, suspend them, or strike them entirely from the medical register. Patients and members of the public are also able to raise concerns about a professional directly with a regulator - and regulators have a statutory duty to investigate those complaints.

'Any patient racially or violently abusing NHS staff, who are simply trying to do their jobs and care for us, can and should be turned away.

'We will ensure everyone working in or using the health service feels safe and respected, and stamp out this wickedness.'