Anti-Semitism is turning some of Britain's top universities into no-go zones for Jewish students, according to a top peer.

Baroness Ruth Deech, who once held the highest office for dealing with student complaints, said the situation stems from institutions failing to curb a perceived hatred of Jews because vice chancellors are afraid of offending potential investors from the Gulf.

As a result, the peer said Jewish students are gradually getting a feeling universities such as Manchester, Exeter, SOAS and Southampton are places they should avoid, which could be perceived as anti-Semitic.

Baroness Ruth Deech (right) , who once held the highest office for dealing with student complaints, said the situation stems from institutions failing to curb a perceived hatred of Jews because vice chancellors are afraid of offending potential investors

In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, she said hostility towards Israel at universities across the country is at the heart of the problem, and added: 'Many universities are in receipt of or are chasing very large donations from Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states and so on, and maybe they are frightened of offending them.

'I don't know why they aren't doing anything about it, it really is a bad situation.'

A spokeswoman for Exeter University told MailOnline the Baroness' claims were simply 'not true' and that Jewish students were welcome there.

She said: 'It is untrue to say that the University of Exeter is not a welcoming place for Jewish students.

A spokeswoman for Exeter University told MailOnline the Baroness' claims were simply 'not true' and that Jewish students were welcome there

The University of Southampton, pictured, has also been denied the claims of anti-Semitism

'The University of Exeter is an inclusive and friendly environment where all students are welcomed from all backgrounds.

'Anti-Semitic and racist behaviour in any form is not tolerated by the University.

'Exeter University not only has a thriving Jewish society, but teaches Jewish studies, the history of the holocaust and has a Jewish chaplain, as part of its multi-faith team.

'Exeter has philanthropic supporters of many faiths , including Jewish, Christian and Muslim.

'Exeter University works closely with Jewish organisations, including the Jewish Leadership Council, and this year co-sponsored with them a workshop on the study of Israel in British Universities.'

Tony Reese, the Jewish Chaplain of the University of Exeter, added:

'To say that Exeter is a ‘no go’ zone for Jewish students is a parody of the truth. You could not find a friendlier campus where people of all faiths, and none, are welcomed and feel comfortable.'

A Southampton University spokesman told MailOnline: 'We would emphasise that the University of Southampton is home to a supportive, friendly and inclusive community that welcomes staff, students, alumni, collaborators and visitors from a wide variety of backgrounds, including people of all faiths and none.

'Additionally, the University of Southampton is very proud to host the Parkes Institute, the world's oldest and most wide-ranging centre for the study of Jewish/non-Jewish relations across the ages.

'The Institute was founded in the name of James Parkes, a tireless fighter against anti-Semitism.

'Today, this unique Institute is a hub of international activities and enjoys successful partnerships with many centres around the world.

'The institute also supports an extensive programme of research, teaching and outreach which includes adult education classes and cultural days, schools and colleges visits, public seminars and lectures.'

MailOnline has contacted the University of Manchester, pictured, but nobody was immediately available for comment

The chief executive of Universities UK Nicola Dandridge told The Telegraph there was no place for anti-Semitism while Exeter, SOAS and Southampton denied the claims.

A SOAS spokesman said: 'A wide range of opinions and views are expressed at events held at SOAS and it does not mean that the school endorses or supports the views.

'However, this does not permit the expression of anti-Semitic or other views that are illegal or incite racial hatred.

'We have a properly constituted procedure for managing the planning for and the conduct of events at SOAS.

'This is designed to ensure we maintain a neutral platform and ensure that all members of our diverse community are free to express their opinions in a mutually respectful and collegial environment.

'This can only be conducted effectively in an atmosphere of open enquiry, mutual tolerance and intellectual freedom.

The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London denied the claims

'Earlier this year, our Director, Baroness Valerie Amos, met with a representative of the students union and the Chair of the Jewish Society.

'They discussed ways to ensure that Jewish students continue to feel welcome at SOAS and to make more visible the School's comprehensive approach to research, teaching and debate on the Middle East.

'SOAS has an active academic programme in relation to Israeli Studies, including the UK’s first Professor of Israel Studies, Colin Shindler.

'Over the last 15 years, Professor Shindler has developed a very successful academic programme that has made SOAS a leading institution for Israel Studies in Europe.

'SOAS has been home to the Jewish Music Institute for more than 10 years and the School also now hosts the European Association of Israel Studies (EAIS), an independent, international and scholarly association devoted to the academic study of Israel.

'Our student community also includes an active Jewish Society and Israeli Society.

Manchester University could not be contacted.

Baroness Deech, herself an Oxford graduate and a former principal of St Anne's College, Oxford, said she felt compelled to speak out about her concern at the way her old institution had handled anti-Semitism claims earlier this year.

'I find it personally very difficult,' she told The Telegraph.

'I've been at Oxford for 45 years or something, and I owe my career to Oxford.

'But I can't believe that my own university is not setting up an investigation and being pro-active about this.'