Health Secretary Wes Streeting is under pressure to challenge a medical tribunal’s decision allowing an NHS doctor accused of Holocaust denial to continue practising. Former attorney general Sir Michael Ellis has called for a judicial review of the ruling, arguing that patient safety and public confidence in the system are at stake. The tribunal permitted Rahmeh Aladwan, a trauma and orthopaedics specialist, to carry on working while the General Medical Council (GMC) investigates her social media activity.
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Dr Aladwan is alleged to have described Israelis as “worse than Nazis”, praised two Palestinian gunmen as “martyrs”, and refused to condemn the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October. Posts linked to her account reportedly denied that rapes took place during the assault and referred to anti-Semitism and the Holocaust as “concepts” used to promote “a narrative of victimhood”. The Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) ruled, however, that the evidence did not demonstrate bullying, harassment, or a direct risk to patients.
Sir Michael Ellis described the tribunal’s verdict as “extraordinary” and said it was now “imperative” for Mr Streeting to act, having previously voiced concerns about anti-Semitism within the NHS. He argued that a judicial review would test the lawfulness of the tribunal’s decision and could lead to it being overturned. The Campaign Against Antisemitism has also announced plans to apply for a judicial review but stated it would step aside should the Health Secretary pursue the challenge.
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Mr Streeting has openly criticised the regulator, writing on X that the use of terms such as “Jewish supremacy” mirrors “the values of Nazis, not the NHS”. He added that such language undermines trust in the medical profession and said he had “no confidence” in the current regulatory system. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman declined to confirm whether a judicial review will be launched, though noted that the Health Secretary is considering options following the ruling.
