When Lord Mann's review of antisemitism and racism in the NHS was published on 4 June 2026, one recommendation drew more attention than any other. As the BBC reported, NHS staff could be barred from wearing political badges on their uniforms, "such as pro-Palestinian symbols". It is also understood that Lord Mann recommended staff should not wear uniform at certain protests.
The government said it supports the recommendations in full, subject to consultation. NHS England chief executive Jim Mackey said: "We accept all of the recommendations in Lord Mann's review."
The case made for the ban
Lord Mann told the BBC: "An 'I support Palestine' badge, or anything like that, is a problem for some people, just in the same way as an 'I support Israel' badge is a problem for some people. Don't wear either." His report found that some Jewish patients and staff have felt the need to hide their identity, and a Jewish A&E doctor told the BBC she had felt uncomfortable seeing colleagues wearing pro-Palestinian badges. Those experiences matter, and HWAC takes them seriously.
What health workers say
But many healthcare workers say the rule in practice falls on one side. Middle East Eye reported in July that the BMA called some of the recommendations "deeply concerning" for freedom of expression, and raised the "question of who gets to decide what counts as political". The BMA warned that "a blanket ban on all symbols that could be construed to express a belief would go too far".
Ahmad Baker, a British-Palestinian nurse at Whipps Cross hospital, told MEE he was ordered to remove a still-life painting containing a watermelon from his video-call background on the grounds that it was "potentially antisemitic". "I am now being told that my identity should not be on display," he said. He, Dr Aarash Saleh and Dr Sara Ali have taken legal action against Barts Health NHS Trust; as the BBC reported, two doctors and a nurse argue that its dress code unlawfully discriminates against them because of their pro-Palestinian beliefs.
Dr Saleh told MEE a colleague had been disciplined for wearing watermelon earrings. On the proposed scrubs restriction, he said: "It is a bit monstrous to tell… healthcare workers, who have this history of advocacy for people that are marginalised… that has to stop now." Dr Sara Ali said: "Healthcare professionals should not be required to abandon their humanity when they come to work."
Labour MP Kim Johnson told MEE she was concerned that a blanket ban "risks conflating legitimate expressions of identity, solidarity and inclusion with misconduct".
Our view
HWAC believes care must always be delivered without fear or favour, and no patient should ever feel unwelcome. But in our view a badge expressing solidarity with Palestinians is not an attack on any patient. A watermelon is not misconduct.
Telling healthcare workers they may not wear their scrubs to protest about Gaza sends a message that their compassion has limits set by politics. As Health Workers for a Free Palestine told MEE, the rules risk a "farcical reality" in which managers arbitrate "whether a piece of fruit or a geometric shape is grounds for disciplinary action". We urge NHS trusts not to adopt blanket bans, and we will support every healthcare worker who is disciplined for quiet, peaceful solidarity.
