EU vote has led to increase in hate crime inWales – survey

ALMOST three-quarters of people working for voluntary organisations in Wales believe the EU referendum result has exposed deep-rooted problems in our communities and led to an increase in hate crime.

The survey, carried out for Wales Council for Voluntary Action, also showed that three-quarters feel largely negative about the impact of the EU referendum result on Wales generally.

Professionals working in WCVA member organisations said they are more concerned with “protecting existing social, economic, environmental and human rights” and “building community cohesion and minimising hate crime” than “safeguarding funding opportunities”.

Almost three-quarters believe EU funding to charities and volunteers has made a big difference to Wales.

Three-quarters believe the UK Government will not safeguard the interests of Wales during its Brexit negotiations with the EU.

Soft Brexit is the favoured option, with Hard Brexit trailing far behind. Despite the timetable already laid out by the Prime Minister, the majority do not want Article 50 to be triggered.

Over half believe the third sector will survive the UK leaving the EU, though the majority think it will be much harder.

WCVA chief executive Ruth Marks said: “Our survey demonstrates that people working in WCVA member organisations care enormously about social justice and social progress. It is no surprise to me, knowing the people who work in the third sector, that they prioritise safeguarding human rights over funding considerations.

“This provides a useful snapshot that we will include in a written evidence submission to the House of Commons inquiry into the UK’s negotiation.”