Nadine Dorries ‘cautiously welcomed’ to role of culture secretary
Communal groups set to meet the new secretary to discuss online antisemitism proposals, as Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden departs the role to become co-chair of the party
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Boris Johnson’s decision to promote Nadine Dorries to the role of culture secretary has received a “cautious welcome” from communal organisations, eager to meet her to discuss the government’s landmark proposals to tackle antisemitism online.
Dorries was surprisingly promoted to the cabinet role where she replaced Oliver Dowden, who is now co-chairman of the Conservative Party.
As Digital and culture secretary Dowden had previously spoken of his determination to tackle online antisemitism in the Online Harms legislation that is set to be made law in 2023.
One communal leader told Jewish News: “We had previously enjoyed good relations with Oliver Dowden, who seemed to be competent in his approach to making sure the government online harms laws attacked the problem of anti-Jewish racism.
“It’s fair to say we cautiously welcome the appointment of Nadine Dorries in the same role.
“We will just have to wait and see what she bring to the position.
“The hope is she will listen to our concerns to begin with. Antisemitism online is a massive issue for the community.”
It is understood that the Board of Deputies, Antisemitism Policy Trust and the Community Security Trust will be amongst those seeking meetings with the new culture Secretary in the forthcoming weeks.
The former nurse, and MP for Mid Bedfordshire hit out at internet trolls after appearing on the TV show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here saying the impact of their posts “should not be underestimated.”
The culture secretary is responsible for strategy and policy across the Department for Digital, culture, Media and Sport.
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