Assuring British Jewry of his “abhorrence” of all views “calculated to spread racial doctrines, ” Henry Brooke, Britain’s Home Secretary, expressed his view yesterday that the present law against racial incitement probably does not need amendment, but may be revised to increase penalties for violations of the Public Order Act of 1936. He made his statements as the principal speaker at the annual general meeting of the Anglo-Jewish Association here.
Pointing to recent court decisions that have imposed jail sentences on neo-Fascists like Colin Jordan and John Tyndall, and noting that he realizes that “Jews are especially sensitive” to fascist propaganda, Mr. Brooke said he had promised Parliament he would propose amendment of such revisions.
The present law, he held, “can deal with incitement to racial hatred” but “as soon as an opportunity occurs, we shall seek to increase the penalties provided” in the older legislation. R. N. Carvalho, president of the Association, told the meeting he was encouraged by recent court decisions against racist incitement. He noted a recent headline in The Times of London which stated: “Jew-Baiting to be Punished.”
The Daily Herald, in an editorial today discussing Mr. Brooke’s address, noted: “Brooke certainly is not hurrying” on the issue. The newspaper urged members of Parliament “to do some prodding” and pass a bill making public preaching of racism and hatred an “offense in itself.” The Guardian also expressed disappointment over Mr. Brooke’s position, pointing out that it is seven months since the House of Commons held a debate on the issue, announcing that stiffer penalties would be imposed against racist incitements.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
