City MP urges action on rise in hate crimes

Bath MP Wera Hobhouse is calling on people to speak out against hate crimes.

Home Office figures show that 105,090 hate crimes were recorded by the police in England and Wales in 2019-20.

The data shows a particularly big increase in hate crimes against LGBT+ people.

There was also a big spike in the number of racially and religiously motivated hate crimes in June and July 2020.

Ms Hobhouse, the Liberal Democrat Equalities spokesperson, is calling on anyone with a public platform to “condemn the irresponsible and divisive rhetoric that inflames hatred”.

She said: “Far too many people’s lives are blighted by discrimination, hatred and abuse. It is unacceptable that, in the 21st century, people are still victimised simply for who they are.

“The rise in racist hate crimes and hate crimes against LGBT+ people must be stopped and reversed.

“All of us with the privilege of a public platform – including government ministers – have a responsibility to condemn the irresponsible and divisive rhetoric that inflames hatred.”