COUNCILLORS have agreed to officially adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Association's definition of antisemitism in north Cumbria.

Councillors David Moore (Gosforth, Conservative) and Tony Markley (Solway Coast, Conservative) proposed such a move in a motion at Tuesday's (November 21) meeting of Cumberland Council at Carlisle Civic Centre.

Their motion proposed that the council resolved to follow the example of the UK Government, the Crown Prosecution Service, more than 130 local authorities including all the council’s predecessors and more than 30 other countries, by adopting the definition "in full, and without qualification or reservation".

They also provided a number of examples of antisemitism and the motion further stated: "Council further resolves that any breach of the definition will be treated in accordance with the Code of Conduct in the same way that any other incident of racism would be."

The definition states: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.

"Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."

Councillor Lisa Brown (Currock, Labour), the deputy leader of the council, said that by adopting the definition they would reaffirm the commitment to take a stand against all intolerance and injustice.